Ukrainian Drone Destroys Two Russian Helicopters in Crimea
The Unexpected Show in Simferopol
When the silvery drones swooped into Simferopol airport on August 30 at about 06:30 UTC (09:30 Kyiv time), the Russian military’s expectations were flipped on their head. Instead of a routine patrol, they watched their two prized weapons tumble into the sky.
Who Got Smashed?
- Mi‑8 – A heavy‑lift helicopter that can be priced at over $10 million.
- Mi‑24 – A versatile attack platform that can range from $12 million to $36 million, depending on the variant.
Both aircraft were reportedly out in the open, ready for use, when the Ukrainian drones hit them with precision strikes. The result: two high‑cost assets turned into expensive debris.
What the Analytics Say
According to AviVector, a well‑known aviation analytics resource, the loss was confirmed following the drones’ arrival over the airport. The agency noted that the drones were heading toward Simferopol after the monitoring systems flagged their movement.
What Does This Mean?
While the headlines highlight a tactical victory, the real story is about the ingenuity and daring that drove this operation. Drone technology, once considered a side note, has stepped into the spotlight as a force multiplier.
Final Thoughts
It’s a stark reminder that in modern conflicts, the sky is no longer just a backdrop but a battleground. And in this case, the beautifully crafted machines the Russians thought were invincible had to face the humble but lethal truth of unmanned precision.
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Ukrainian Drone Ops: A Hot Mess of Russian Jets
So here’s the scoop: Earlier this month, Ukraine’s special forces pulled a slick drone move that smacked several Russian fighter planes. The hit‑and‑run came from the State Security Service (SBU) operatives, who claimed they obliterated a Su‑30M, damaged another, and took out three Su‑24 warbirds. Pretty impressive for a blink‑of‑an‑eye attack!
Key Details from the SBU
- The operation struck the Saki military airfield—one of Russia’s biggest Black Sea bases.
- Only one aircraft is a total wreck (the Su‑30SM), while a second was battered.
- Three Su‑24s were hit and heavily damaged.
- The SBU claims the loss of these planes seriously dents Russia’s war machine.
Simferopol Gets a Double Dose of Chaos
On August 30, drones roamed toward Simferopol airport. Within minutes, footage of a fiery blaze popped up online—a clear sign the UAVs were on target. It turns out Ukraine struck not just jets, but also two helicopters in that same raid.
The Price of a Su‑30SM
At a whopping price tag of $35 – $50 million per plane, losing one is a pretty hefty blow to Russia. So when the SBU headlined “We’re kicking the enemy’s war budget into the drain,” it wasn’t hyperbole.
Final Words from the SBU
They’re calling it a big step toward crippling the occupiers: “The Ukraine special operation at Saki is another move that weakens the enemy’s war‑fighting prowess.” They also threw a warning, reminding the Russian troops that they’ll never feel safe on Ukrainian soil.
