By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On August 4th, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched a drone strike on an airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea, destroying a Su-30SM aircraft, damaging another, hitting three Su-24s, and striking an aviation weapons depot. This operation, a mission of Special Operations Center “A,” targeted the Saky airbase, crucial for Russian military operations in the Black Sea. The SBU deemed the damage “significant,” considering the value of a single Su-30SM jet to be between $35 and $50 million. This is one of many successful drone operations against Russian targets, including air bases and naval vessels.
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5 Russian fighter jets hit by Ukraine’s SBU in drone operation in occupied Crimea, that’s the headline, and it’s a pretty significant one. A Special Operations Center “A” mission, deploying Ukrainian drones, managed to do some serious damage. We’re talking about a Su-30SM aircraft destroyed, another one damaged, along with three Su-24s hit, and also a strike on an aviation weapons depot. It’s the kind of operation that makes you think, “Keep it up, boys,” right? It’s a testament to the ingenuity and effectiveness of these drone strikes.
Well, this could have been entirely prevented by, well, Russia not invading Ukraine. It’s a bit of a fundamental point, isn’t it? It underscores the tragic reality that this destruction is directly linked to the invasion. It also brings up the question of the cost to Russia, not just in equipment, but in morale and the potential ripple effects within their military capabilities.
Flipping that coin, it’s important to remember that the successes we’re seeing are hard-won. Seeing these kinds of results is a great thing. And it’s not just about the immediate impact on Russia’s air power, it’s also about the long-term implications. Every jet lost is a hit against their ability to project power, not just in Ukraine, but potentially elsewhere, as well.
The hit on the Su-24s, why were those mentioned as the real “money maker”? It’s likely because they are a versatile platform, often used for ground attack missions. Striking them impacts Russia’s ability to support its ground forces and continue its offensive operations. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s a good day when any part of the Russian army takes a hit.
Now, how many jets does Russia even have left? It’s a valid question. The constant attrition from drone strikes and Ukrainian counter-offensives is undoubtedly taking a toll. The destruction of the equipment does matter to the overall military capabilities of Russia. And with limited production capacity, the losses are not easily replaced. Russia still has hundreds of tactical aircraft, and there’s still a threat to Ukraine, but the numbers are dwindling, and it is great news.
There’s also the matter of what constitutes “destroyed” versus “damaged.” Sometimes, the assessment is based on the available visuals, the presence of smoke, or debris. It’s not always possible to get definitive proof of complete destruction in such operations. It is likely that the assessment will be conservative, meaning the actual damage could be even more significant.
Regarding the cost, the destruction of this equipment represents a massive financial loss for Russia. It’s not just the initial cost of the jets; it also includes the training of pilots, the maintenance of the aircraft, and the cost of the weapons systems they carry. And the cost to replace these, well, that’s another mountain altogether. This war has already cost them billions in equipment losses. It would be hard to know how to valuate the destroyed equipment. Do you look at original production cost or replacement cost?
If we consider the larger picture, the destruction of Russian aircraft affects more than just the immediate battlefield. It also impacts their ability to project power in a region. Every plane that is lost is one less that could be used for other purposes.
The longer the war goes on, the more the economic strain will be. Manpower costs alone are enormous, especially when you factor in bonuses and inflation. Russia’s inflation, even officially, has been significant. The impact on their economy is severe.
It is important to consider the impact of the destruction of equipment, including tanks and ships. Russia has lost thousands of tanks. Add in the planes and the boats. These costs are in the billions. The fact that they’re relying on Soviet-era equipment that’s running out only compounds the problem.
In the end, this operation in Crimea is a significant victory. It’s a clear demonstration of Ukraine’s resolve and its capacity to inflict damage on the aggressor. And it highlights the human cost of the conflict, in terms of lives lost and the ongoing destruction.