August M
Ukrainian forces are continuing a sustained campaign against Russian military assets in occupied Crimea, targeting equipment linked to coastal defence and anti-drone operations.
WPtech reported that the latest strike by Ukraine’s military intelligence unit “Dukhy” damaged several Russian naval and aviation assets, including what was described as the last remaining Be-12 Chaika aircraft in the area.
Valuable assets lost
According to WPtech, Russia lost three Project 05060 landing and assault boats, a supply vessel and the Be-12 amphibious aircraft during the attack.
The report said the operation follows earlier Ukrainian strikes on Ropucha-class landing ships, Iskander-M launchers, S-300 systems and tankers connected to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”.
WPtech noted that Ukraine appears focused on forcing Moscow to divert increasingly limited military resources toward defending Crimea and rear infrastructure.
Anti-drone role
The Be-12 Chaika aircraft has gained renewed importance during the war because of Ukraine’s extensive use of naval drones in the Black Sea.
According to WPtech, Russia has fewer than ten of the ageing Soviet-era amphibious aircraft remaining, including examples captured after the occupation of Crimea.
The aircraft are used for long-range patrol and anti-submarine missions and can reportedly carry radar systems, surveillance equipment and acoustic sensors.
Black Sea pressure
WPtech reported that Ukrainian naval drone operations previously pushed much of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet back into port and weakened the threat of an amphibious assault near Odesa.
The report added that patrol boats and maritime aircraft have become central to Russian efforts to defend ports and detect incoming naval drones.
Among the damaged vessels were Project 05060 assault boats, which Russia only began publicly displaying during the Armiya 2023 defence exhibition.
New boats targeted
According to WPtech, Russia had ordered at least three of the Project 05060 boats by 2024.
The vessels are reportedly capable of carrying landing troops and are equipped with a remotely operated 12.7 mm Kord heavy machine gun.
WPtech described the boats as fast-moving craft designed for coastal security and rapid-response missions, making them useful in countering maritime drone attacks.
The latest losses underline Ukraine’s continuing effort to erode Russian military capabilities in Crimea and limit Moscow’s ability to secure the Black Sea region.
Sources: WPtech.
