Full Breakdown
Ukrainian Drone Strike Destroys Russian MiG-29 at Belbek Airfield in Crimea
7/5/2026, 12:43:05 AM
The Strike on Belbek Airfield
On the night of June 25-26 2026, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) used drones from its Unmanned Systems Department to destroy a Russian MiG-29 fighter jet and an airfield launching unit at the Belbek airfield in occupied Crimea. HUR released video footage and estimated the damage at tens of millions of dollars.
Background and Strategic Context
The operation is part of a 40-day campaign authorized by President Volodymyr Zelensky to degrade Russian aviation assets and infrastructure on the occupied peninsula. Earlier drone attacks by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) hit the Saky and Gvardiyske air bases, damaging hangars that stored Su-30SM, Su-30, Su-24 fighters and Shahed attack drones. These facilities are regularly used by Russian tactical aviation to launch strikes against Ukrainian territory and to support operations in the south.
Timeline of Recent Aviation Targets
- June 25-26 night – HUR drones destroy a MiG-29 and an airfield launcher at Belbek.
- July 3 – SBU drones strike Saky and Gvardiyske air bases, hitting seven hangars and damaging seven aircraft.
- July 4 – HUR publishes a statement and video confirming the Belbek strike.
Data and Quantitative Impact
The Belbek attack eliminated one MiG-29 fighter jet and destroyed a launch vehicle, with financial losses estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. At Saky, seven hangars were hit and preliminary assessments indicate at least seven aircraft were destroyed or damaged. Gvardiyske saw two hangars struck, housing Shahed attack drones and other aviation equipment.
Why the Strike Matters
Removing a MiG-29 reduces Russian tactical air capability in the Black Sea region and limits the ability to conduct air strikes from Crimea. The operation showcases Ukraine’s expanding use of unmanned systems to target high-value assets deep behind enemy lines. It contributes to the broader objective of degrading Russian logistics and air power, consistent with the campaign’s aim to reduce Russian military potential and infrastructure.
Official Ukrainian Statements
HUR announced that its drones had successfully destroyed the MiG-29 and the launch vehicle, emphasizing the operation’s success and the significant financial damage inflicted on the Russian military. The Security Service of Ukraine reported that its drone strikes on Saky and Gvardiyske hit multiple hangars and caused the destruction or damage of several aircraft.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
Sources differ on the exact timing of the Belbek strike, describing it as the night of June 25-26 and alternatively as June 26. Damage assessments for the Saky and Gvardiyske attacks remain preliminary, with no independent verification of the number of aircraft destroyed versus damaged. No Russian official response or confirmation of losses has been provided in the available reports.
Outlook
President Volodymyr Zelensky’s authorized 40-day campaign remains underway, and recent drone strikes demonstrate continued pressure on Russian aviation assets in Crimea.
