Key facts
- Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted overnight strikes on two Russian military air bases in occupied Crimea.
- At least seven Russian aircraft were reportedly damaged or destroyed at the Saky air base.
- The strikes targeted hangars storing fighter and bomber aircraft, as well as Shahed attack drones.
- Saky and Hvardiiske air bases are described as key Russian military hubs in Crimea.
- The SBU aims to systematically reduce Russia's military potential.
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) announced on July 3 that it had successfully struck two Russian military air bases in occupied Crimea overnight, damaging or destroying at least seven aircraft. This marks the second reported attack on the Saky air base within a week.
The SBU stated that Ukrainian drones hit seven hangars at the Saky air base, where Russia stores Su-30SM, Su-30, and Su-24 fighter and bomber aircraft. The agency reported that at least seven aircraft were destroyed or damaged.
Additionally, the SBU reported hitting two hangars at the Hvardiiske air base, which housed Shahed attack drones and aviation equipment. Both Saky and Hvardiiske are described by the SBU as critical military air bases for Russia in Crimea, used for launching tactical aircraft strikes against Ukraine and supporting operations on the southern front.
SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk affirmed the agency's commitment to fulfilling the president's directives and systematically diminishing Russia's military capabilities. These strikes are part of Ukraine's ongoing expansion of its long-range drone campaign within Russia and occupied territories.
The Unmanned Systems Forces reported a 1,150% increase in successful strikes against targets in Russia since the beginning of the year. In June alone, these forces, in conjunction with other military units, reportedly destroyed or seriously damaged 172 Russian defense industry and fuel and energy facilities, along with nearly 3,000 other military targets. Occupied Crimea remains a primary focus for Ukraine's long-range strike operations.