Ukrainian drones targeted a military airfield in Crimea, reportedly destroying Russian Orion drones, an An-72P aircraft, and radar equipment overnight.
Attack on Kirowsky Airfield and Orion Drones
Robert Browdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, stated the overnight attack targeted the Kirowsky military airfield in Crimea. The operation was conducted jointly by the Unmanned Systems Forces and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The strike reportedly hit a base and pre-flight training point for Russian Orion drones.
Reported Damage Assessment
According to Browdi, four heavy unmanned aerial vehicles (Orion) were destroyed in the attack. An An-72P aircraft and a mobile, dual-coordinate P-37 “Sword” radar station were also reportedly destroyed. Browdi released footage showing the strike.
“This hideout was completely destroyed at the Kirowsky airfield in the Krasnosilskoye district of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The destruction of four Orion unmanned aerial vehicles was confirmed. A transport-recruit aircraft An-72P and a mobile, dual-coordinate radar station P-37 ‘Sword’ were also discovered and destroyed there,” Browdi stated.
Weaponry and Drone Capabilities
The attack utilized FP-2 medium-impact bombs with a 60-100 kg warhead. The Orion drones are described as Russia’s newest and most expensive strike and reconnaissance systems.
They are said to remain airborne for up to 24 hours, have a range of 250-300 km, and carry up to 250 kg of ordnance at an altitude of up to 7.5 km.
Previous Ukrainian Strikes in Crimea
Ukraine also highlighted earlier attacks on Russian military facilities in Crimea. Drones from the SBU’s Center for Special Operations “Alfa” reportedly struck the production facilities of the Aviation Repair Plant in Yevpatoria and a storage site for military equipment and personnel near the Dzhankoj airfield.
These attacks allegedly hit two “Pantsyr-S2” systems, a “Mohajer-6” drone, a ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun mounted on a truck, two fuel tankers, and a ground-based drone control station “Forpost.”
Confirmed Destruction and Lack of Casualty Reports
Information on the extent of the damage comes from a statement by the Ukrainian commander. The footage released confirms the destruction of four Orion drones. No information regarding casualties has been provided.
There are also no reports of Russian personnel losses.
Recent Russian Aircraft Loss
This follows another Russian aircraft loss. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported losing contact with a military transport aircraft An-26 on March 31st around 6 PM Moscow time while on a planned flight over Crimea. Twenty-three passengers and six crew members were killed in the crash.
The ministry later stated the crash site was found and ruled out the downing of the aircraft. TASS and RIA Novosti sources claimed the plane hit a rock, with Russian authorities citing technical problems as the most likely cause.
Challenges Facing Russian Aviation
Western media note that Russian aviation is facing significant problems. Sanctions have led to a shortage of parts needed to maintain both civilian and military fleets.
Frequent failures and malfunctions in aircraft are reportedly occurring. The aircraft that crashed in Crimea was a 50-year-old machine produced during the Soviet era, and Russia does not produce enough replacement parts.
