Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) confirmed on September 22, 2025, that a Sept. 21 drone strike destroyed two Russian Be-12 anti-submarine aircraft and damaged a Mi-8 helicopter in occupied Crimea. The attack, carried out by Ukraine’s “Phantoms” special unit, marks the first confirmed destruction of Be-12 aircraft, slashing Russia’s already limited fleet by nearly one-third and constraining its ability to patrol the Black Sea. Read full defense news at this link...
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| The Be-12 Chayka was developed in the Soviet Union beginning in 1956 to replace the Be-6 flying boat with a dedicated amphibious aircraft optimized for anti-submarine warfare and coastal patrol duties. (Picture source: RussianPlanes/Vladimir Nazarov and HUR) |