Mysterious Disappearance of Russian Su-30SM Near Zmiinyi Island: Debris Found and Search for Crew Continues
In the waters of the Black Sea, near the strategically located Zmiinyi Island, a tense and unresolved situation has unfolded involving the loss of contact with a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet.
According to Ukrainian Naval Forces, during a combat mission, the aircraft disappeared from radar screens, and radio communication with the crew was severed.
Intelligence intercepted radio exchanges in which it was reported that contact had been lost with the multirole fighter operating southeast of Zmiinyi Island.
It is believed that the aircraft may have crashed due to unknown reasons, though the circumstances and causes of the incident remain unclear.
Wreckage of the aircraft has already been recovered and is under investigation, while searches for the pilots are ongoing without success.
The Su-30SM is a modern twin-seat, fourth-generation multirole fighter capable of reaching speeds over 2,100 km/h, flying at altitudes up to 17.3 km, with a combat radius of approximately 1,500 kilometers.
The estimated cost of such a jet is around $50 million.
Earlier reports indicate that Ukrainian drones have shot down two Russian fighters, including Su-30s, highlighting changes in the conflict zone dynamics.