Russian Su‑30 fighters falter against Ukrainian naval drones
The Russians used Su-30 fighters to combat Ukrainian naval drones, even though older models such as the Be-12 and Ka-29 would have been more suitable, as reported by the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. Analysts believe this choice may have been driven by fear of the drones.
The Russian armed forces decided to deploy Su-30 fighters in response to the threat from Ukrainian naval drones. This decision raises questions because older models like the Be-12 or Ka-29 seem more suitable for this task, according to analysts at Defense Express. They emphasize that the choice of the Su-30 may be due to its speed and maneuverability.
Russians used fighters, although they have "more suitable machines"
Recently, the Ukrainian naval drone Magura V7 shot down two Russian Su-30 fighters. This marked the first time in history that such a construction has downed airplanes. Defense Express questions why the Russians used Su-30s to counter the threat posed by the Magura V7 when they have "more suitable machines for this role" in their arsenal, such as Be-12 patrol planes or Ka-29 helicopters. "Compared to the cost of Su-30s, Be-12 and Ka-29 can be said to be worth losing," the report states.
This is not the first time these models have been used to strike Ukrainian naval drones. Defense Express notes that in December 2023, there were reports of Russians using both the Be-12 and Ka-29 against Ukrainian drones. These older models, though less modern, would be less costly in the event of loss. However, after the Ukrainian Magura V5 drone downed a Russian Mi-8, Russians began using the more advanced Su-30s.
It is also worth noting the differences between all three models for combating naval drones. The maximum speed of the Ka-29 is just under 186 mph, the Be-12 reaches up to 199 mph, while the Su-30 can fly at 839 mph. This makes the Su-30 a much more useful tool compared to the other models.
Su-30 fighters in clash with Magura drones
The Su-30 are fast and maneuverable fighters, but they had to attack in a traditional manner, using guns and bombs. This strategy proved very costly for the Russians, as their military lost two Su-30s while trying to eliminate the Magura V7 drones. This forces them to seek new methods of combating Ukrainian drones.
The success of Ukrainian drones with rocket armament indicates the need for developing modern weapon systems that can effectively combat such threats. Defense Express suggests that the future may belong to more advanced long-range missiles that will be integrated with drones.
Defense Express adds that the conclusions from this situation are clear: the emergence of drones with rocket armament is changing the rules of naval combat. Global arms manufacturers will have to focus on creating precise systems that can effectively target small, yet dangerous, threats.
