Ukrainian Intelligence Reports Historic Strike in Crimea
Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) announced on September 22, 2025, that its special unit, 'Prymary' (also known as 'Ghosts'), successfully struck and destroyed two Russian Be-12 Chayka amphibious aircraft in occupied Crimea on September 21, 2025. This event marks the first-ever confirmed combat loss of the Be-12 aircraft in history, according to HUR statements. The strikes, reportedly carried out by drones, also targeted a Russian Mi-8 multipurpose helicopter during the same operation.
Details of the Attack and Targeted Assets
The operation by HUR's 'Prymary' unit took place in Russian-occupied Crimea. While the exact location was not officially disclosed, video footage released by HUR was geolocated by the BBC to an airfield near Sevastopol. Militarnyi reported that one of the hit Be-12s bore the tail number '08 yellow' and was part of the 318th Independent Aviation Regiment in Simeiz. In addition to the two Be-12s, Ukrainian forces also claimed to have struck an Mi-8 multipurpose helicopter. Some reports indicated that on September 21, HUR had also reported the destruction of three Mi-8 helicopters and a radar station in Crimea.
Significance of the Be-12 Chayka Aircraft
The Be-12 Chayka, known by its NATO reporting name 'Mail,' is a Soviet-designed anti-submarine amphibious aircraft. Developed in the 1950s and introduced in the 1960s, it is equipped with sophisticated and costly systems for detecting and combating submarines. These systems include:
- Hydroacoustic buoys
- Magnetometer
- Radar systems
The aircraft can carry various armaments, such as torpedoes and depth charges. Its amphibious capability allows it to operate from both land and water. Despite its age, the Be-12 remains a valuable asset for Russia's naval aviation, particularly in the Black Sea, due to its specialized anti-submarine role and the difficulty of replacing its specialized equipment under current wartime conditions and sanctions. Only a limited number of these aircraft were ever produced, with approximately 147 units in total and around 95 in service in the late 1980s. As of 2022, the 318th Independent Aviation Regiment reportedly possessed only five Be-12s.
Russian Response and Broader Context
As of the reporting, Moscow has not officially commented on Ukraine's claims regarding the destruction of the Be-12 aircraft. However, Russian proxies reported that Ukrainian drones struck the Foros resort in Crimea on the evening of September 21, causing damage and casualties. This incident is part of a broader pattern of Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
6 Comments
Bella Ciao
The loss of these Be-12s is a symbolic and material blow to Russia's naval aviation in the Black Sea, given their anti-submarine role and limited numbers. Still, the broader context of the war means both sides continue to suffer significant losses, and a definitive end remains distant.
Comandante
This is huge for Black Sea control. Crippling their naval aviation!
Fuerza
Hardly a major blow. Russia still has plenty of resources and older equipment.
Ongania
The destruction of these specialized aircraft highlights Ukraine's increasing drone capabilities and ability to strike deep into occupied territory. However, the article also mentions potential strikes near civilian areas, which raises concerns about collateral damage.
Manolo Noriega
More propaganda from Kyiv. These old planes aren't a game-changer.
Donatello
It's impressive that Ukraine can target such specific assets like the Be-12, demonstrating advanced intelligence and execution against a valuable, albeit old, target. Yet, Russia's silence makes it difficult to fully assess the extent of the damage or its true impact on their naval operations.