In a stunning and unprecedented military operation, Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned sea drones to strike down two Russian Su-30 fighter jets off the coast of Novarosis, marking a significant shift in naval warfare tactics. The attack, which unfolded in the early hours of May 2, 2025, has sent shockwaves through military circles, as it represents a bold new approach to aerial combat.
At precisely 12:01 a.m., three Mura V7 unmanned surface vessels stealthily departed from a covert location near Odessa, carrying a payload of advanced weaponry that caught Russian defenses off-guard. With no radar signatures or transmissions, these drones navigated the waters undetected, ultimately targeting and obliterating the cornerstone of Russia’s air superiority in the Black Sea.
By 6:07 a.m., the first missile launched from a Mura V7 struck one of the Su-30s, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that sent debris raining down over the sea. The second Su-30, caught in a desperate maneuver, was similarly taken down just moments later. In total, the operation lasted less than nine minutes, but its implications are profound.
The loss of these two multi-role fighters, valued at hundreds of millions each, has forced Russia to rethink its entire coastal defense strategy. Videos of the strikes have circulated widely on military channels, showing the jets spiraling out of control before disintegrating midair. In the wake of this shocking development, Russia has withdrawn all Su-30 patrol flights from the western Black Sea for an extended period, implementing new barriers and surveillance measures to counter the emerging threat of sea-based drones.
This operation not only signifies a tactical victory for Ukraine but also heralds a new era in warfare, where unmanned systems and advanced missile technology combine to disrupt established military paradigms. The psychological impact on the Russian air force is undeniable, as they grapple with a newfound vulnerability in their airspace. The Black Sea has become a battleground for innovation, and Ukraine’s daring strike has opened the door for future operations that could reshape the balance of power in the region.
