Ukraine destroys Russian Be-12 amphibious aircraft in Crimea for the first time, Kyiv

Ukraine’s military intelligence service has claimed its special forces had destroyed two Russian Be-12 Chaika (Seagull) amphibious aircraft in occupied Crimea - the first time such aircraft have been hit in combat.

The Defence Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported on Monday that the operation took place on 21 September, when its Ghosts special unit targeted the aircraft on the peninsula. Alongside the Be-12s, Ukrainian forces also destroyed a Russian Mi-8 multi-purpose helicopter.

The Be-12, designed in the 1960s by the Beriev design bureau, is capable of taking off and landing both on land and water. It was primarily used for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and search-and-rescue operations. Due to their limited numbers and costly maintenance, the aircraft are considered rare and valuable for Russia’s naval aviation.

Analysts say the loss is both symbolic and practical, as Moscow cannot easily replace the Be-12 fleet. The strike is part of a broader Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian military assets in occupied Crimea, aiming to weaken Moscow’s grip on the peninsula and diminish its operational capacity.