Ukraine Destroys Rare Su-33 Naval Fighter in First Confirmed Kill

(ANAPA, KRASNODAR KRAI, RUSSIA) – Ukrainian drones have destroyed a rare Su-33 naval fighter jet, a MiG-29 fighter and a Kronshtadt Orion attack drone at Anapa Airport in the Krasnodar region, according to analysis of footage from the strike.

The Su-33 is a carrier based strike fighter, and this marks the first confirmed destruction of the aircraft type in the war. Russia has approximately 40 Su-33s in service with its Navy, though not all are believed to be operational.

The aircraft was struck on a taxiway while covered in cloth. Initial suspicion suggested it could be a decoy, but the extent of the burning and the presence of a fire truck confirmed it was an active aircraft. The fire spread across the taxiway, indicating the aircraft’s fuel tank ruptured.

The MiG-29 was also under cover and was struck by multiple drones. The first drone missed or caused minor damage, but a subsequent strike destroyed the aircraft. Russia had approximately 250 MiG-29s in service at the start of the war.

The Orion drone is Russia’s equivalent of the Turkish Bayraktar, a high end attack drone used to launch cruise missiles at Ukraine. At least 15 Orions have been destroyed so far, from an original fleet of approximately 40.

The strike also targeted multiple air defence systems across Rostov Oblast, Krasnodar Krai and Crimea. Targets included a Tor air defence system in Rostov, two Nebo-U radars, two Kasta 2E2 radars, a Podlyot radar, a Pantsir air defence system and a 36D6M radar, which is part of the S-300 surface to air missile system.

The 36D6M radar was hit in Crimea and represents a particularly valuable target, as the S-300 is Russia’s main air defence system. Russia has approximately 2,000 S-300 launchers split into 50 to 60 batteries, each with multiple launchers and one of each type of radar.

The Anapa Airport is a civilian facility closed for the duration of the war. Russia has apparently begun using it for air operations, likely deploying fighter jets to protect the Kerch Bridge, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov from drone attacks.