For First Time, Ukraine Strikes Two Russian Amphibious Aircraft in Crimea

Ukraine's military intelligence has stated that Ukrainian forces conducted a significant attack on two Russian Be-12 Chayka amphibious aircraft stationed in occupied Crimea.

This operation was carried out by the Ukrainian military intelligence’s elite special unit, "Prymary," marking the first recorded strike on Be-12 aircraft in history, The Caspian Post reports via Ukrainian media.

The Be-12 Chayka, known by NATO as "Mail," is a Soviet-era amphibious plane primarily used for anti-submarine warfare. Equipped with advanced detection and engagement systems, it plays a crucial role in locating and neutralizing submarines.

In addition to this unprecedented strike, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted a Russian Mi-8 helicopter in a separate attack. Earlier on the same day, Ukraine's military intelligence claimed to have destroyed three additional Mi-8 helicopters and a radar station in Crimea. These claims have not yet been independently verified by external sources.

Since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, the peninsula has frequently been targeted by Ukrainian strikes aimed at degrading Russian military infrastructure amidst the ongoing full-scale invasion that began in 2022.

On the evening of September 21, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the Foros resort area, causing damage and casualties, according to Russian-aligned sources. The Foros Sanatorium-a luxury resort near several Russian government dachas used by the political elite-is believed to have been the primary target.