Russian Su‑30s struggle against Ukrainian naval drones
The Russians utilised Su-30 fighters to combat Ukrainian naval drones, even though older models such as the Be-12 and Ka-29 would have been more appropriate, as reported by the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. Analysts believe that this may be a result of apprehension regarding the drones.
The Russian armed forces chose to deploy Su-30 fighters in response to the Ukrainian naval drone threat. This decision raises questions, as older models like the Be-12 or Ka-29 would seem more suitable for this task, analysts at Defense Express claim. They emphasise that the choice of the Su-30 may be due to its speed and manoeuvrability.
Russians used fighters, although they have "more suitable machines"
Let's recall that in recent days, the Ukrainian naval drone Magura V7 shot down two Russian Su-30 fighters. This marked the first time in history such a construction shot down aeroplanes. Defense Express wonders 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 would not be the first instance where these constructions were deployed against Ukrainian naval drones. Defense Express points out that in December 2023, there were reports of Russians using both the Be-12 and Ka-29 against Ukrainian drones. Despite being older and less modern, these models would incur a lower cost if lost. However, after the Ukrainian Magura V5 drone shot down a Russian Mi-8, the Russians began employing the more advanced Su-30s.
It is also worth noting the differences between all three constructions in combating naval drones. The maximum speed of the Ka-29 is just under 300 km/h, the Be-12 reaches up to 320 km/h, while the Su-30 can fly at a speed of 1,350 km/h. This makes it a much more useful tool compared to the other constructions.
Su-30 fighters in clash with Magura drones
Su-30 fighters are fast and manoeuvrable, but they had to attack in a traditional way, using guns and bombs. This strategy proved very costly for the Russians, as their forces 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 the development of modern weapon systems that can effectively counter 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 combat small, yet dangerous targets.
