Historic Moment. Budanov Reveals How Sea Drones Shot Down Two Su-30s.

Ukrainian scouts shot down two multifunctional Su-30 Flanker fighters over the Black Sea. The head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, told The War Zone that this was made possible using AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared-guided missiles.

This is the first Time that unmanned boats have proven their effectiveness in shooting down fighters. It was from such boats that the AIM-9 missile was first used to destroy an enemy, Budanov reported. The attack was carried out by three unmanned Magura V7 boats, two of which fired at the aircraft.

One of the Su-30 crews survived and was rescued in the Black Sea. No information is available regarding the second plane at the time of publication.

AIM-9 Sidewinder is an American air-to-air missile with infrared guidance, developed by Raytheon in the mid-1950s. It is one of the most widely used missiles of its kind, with numerous modifications employing an infrared self-guidance system.

Since 1955, over 200,000 AIM-9 missiles have been produced, which have downed 270 aircraft, making them the most successful among air-to-air missiles.

The downing of the Su-30 Flanker fighters is a great indicator of the successes of the Ukrainian defense industry and intelligence services in combating hostile threats. The military actions witness a growing combat potential of Ukraine and its ability to counter enemy threats in the region.