Intelligence operatives destroyed two Russian Be-12 “Chaika” amphibious aircraft in occupied Crimea. This marks the first-ever strike against such anti-submarine planes, the Main Intelligence Directorate reported.
The raid on the peninsula on September 21 was carried out by fighters from the “Phantoms” special reconnaissance unit. The Be-12 “Chaika” amphibious aircraft are equipped with expensive systems for detecting and combating submarines.
In addition to the two enemy Be-12 aircraft, intelligence forces also destroyed a Russian Mi-8 multipurpose helicopter.
The Be-12 “Chaika” was developed between 1956 and 1965 at the Beriev Experimental Design Bureau. It measures 30 meters in length, 7.4 meters in height, with a wingspan of 30 meters. Its tactical range is 600–650 km. At the time of its creation, it was the largest serial amphibious aircraft in the world. Depending on the model, it can carry a nuclear payload (Be-12SK model).
