Kyiv, January 29 - Ukrainian sources have reported the downing of a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet over the Black Sea, off the southern coast of Ukraine. According to multiple Ukrainian outlets citing informed sources, the incident occurred during evening hours in the maritime area south of the country's coastline. The Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft was reportedly lost in action, with indications that the crew did not survive the engagement. Russian authorities have yet to issue any official comment on the reported event, leaving the claim unconfirmed from Moscow's side.
The Su-30SM, a multirole fighter known for its advanced radar systems, air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, has been a key asset in Russia's naval aviation operations over the Black Sea. These aircraft frequently conduct patrols, reconnaissance, and strike missions in the region amid ongoing tensions. Ukrainian forces have increasingly demonstrated effectiveness in targeting Russian aviation through integrated air defense networks and innovative tactics, contributing to a pattern of losses for high-value Russian platforms in contested airspace and waters.
This latest reported incident highlights the persistent challenges facing Russian air operations in the Black Sea theater. Ukrainian defenses, bolstered by surface-to-air systems and other countermeasures, continue to contest control of the skies and seas near its shores. Such engagements underscore the high risks associated with military aviation in active conflict zones, where fighter jets like the Su-30SM operate under constant threat from evolving defensive strategies.
While details remain limited and verification is pending independent confirmation, the reported downing adds to the broader narrative of attrition in aerial warfare over the Black Sea. Ukrainian sources emphasize the success in neutralizing threats to national sovereignty and maritime security, reflecting ongoing efforts to protect territorial waters and airspace from hostile incursions.