Ukrainian forces announced that, for the first time in the history of the conflict, they destroyed two Russian Be-12 “Chaika” amphibious aircraft. The strike was carried out in occupied Crimea by the special unit “Ghosts” on Sunday. In addition, according to their reports, a Mi-8 helicopter was also destroyed. This deals a blow to Russia’s key capabilities in the Black Sea and shifts the balance of power in the air-naval dimension of the conflict.

According to a statement from Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, the Be-12 aircraft – used by Russia to search for and destroy Ukrainian naval drones – were struck in Crimea. It is claimed that this is the first confirmed destruction of a Be-12. Until now, no “Chaika” had ever been lost in combat, at least publicly.

These aircraft were developed in the 1950s, first flew in 1960, and have been used for patrol, anti-submarine warfare, surface surveillance, and – according to Western assessments – for detecting naval drones.

For a long time, the Be-12 was employed for reconnaissance, maritime patrols, and tracking both drones and underwater threats. Their destruction may reduce the effectiveness of such operations, at least temporarily.

The fact that such an aircraft has been destroyed for the first time boosts the morale of the Ukrainian armed forces and their supporters. It shows that even rare, “exotic”, or outdated but still significant targets are not beyond reach.

As an amphibious aircraft, the Be-12 can operate both from water and from land, making it an important element of maritime route control and situational awareness. The loss of such platforms may force Russia to reconsider patrol routes, concealment measures, or protection tactics.

Ukrainian naval drones are one of the key tools Ukraine actively employs to impact Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and ports. The destruction of the Be-12s used to counter these drones may increase Russia’s need to find alternative means of detection and neutralization.

Apart from the information that the strike was carried out by the “Ghosts” unit, few details are known about how exactly the operation was organized, how many personnel were involved, or what methods were used.

This event represents a significant tactical and symbolic success for Ukraine and its resistance. In major conflicts, such “firsts” are often important not so much for their purely military value (as the aircraft may be outdated and not particularly effective), but as a signal that no target is “sacred”.

If Russia stops using the Be-12 as a means of reconnaissance and naval drone counteraction, it will have to either strengthen other surveillance systems (such as satellites, UAVs, and coastal radars) or accept the heightened risk of drones penetrating its maritime space.

In the long term, this may push both sides toward even more active use of autonomous maritime and aerial systems, as well as the deployment of technologies capable of countering “invisible” threats like drones, rather than relying solely on traditional aircraft and ships.

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23.09.2025 06:48