World First: Ukrainian Maritime Drone Shoots Down Russian Flanker Jet

Ukrainian Maritime Drone Shoots Down Russian Jet: A Historic Victory in the Black Sea

On May 2, 2025, a Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel (USV), operated by Military Intelligence Group 13 (HUR), made history by becoming the first drone in the world to successfully shoot down an enemy aircraft. The landmark event took place near the strategic Russian naval base in Novorossiysk, in the eastern Black Sea.

The downed aircraft was a Russian Su-30 “Flanker” fighter jet, which was conducting operations hundreds of kilometers from Ukraine-controlled coastline. According to preliminary reports, the jet was likely sent to intercept USVs threatening Russia’s key naval bases in Novorossiysk and the Kerch Strait. It was reportedly flying at low altitude to attack the USVs with cannons or unguided rockets.

The USV involved in the incident was operated by Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Group 13, previously linked to the “Magura” USV equipped with AA-12 Archer missiles. While the exact missile used in the strike has not been confirmed, experts suggest it may have been an AA-11 or a similar infrared-guided weapon. Originally designed for air-to-air combat, these missiles have been adapted for ground and sea-based use and are referred to as “Sea Dragon” when launched from USVs.

This event underscores the growing role of uncrewed technologies in modern naval warfare. Russia has relied on Flanker jets for countering Ukrainian USVs for several years. However, this incident demonstrates that even high-speed aircraft are no longer safe from advanced drone threats.

Naval warfare is rapidly evolving, with uncrewed platforms playing an increasingly critical role. In the future, Russian jets may be forced to engage from longer distances using more expensive stand-off weapons. Yet, due to the small size and maneuverability of USVs, they remain difficult targets for conventional anti-ship systems.

This incident is a striking example of how Ukraine’s innovative use of uncrewed systems is reshaping the battlefield—and redefining the balance of power at sea.