Russia Claims to Shoot Down US Global Hawk Drone Over Black Sea

 

After Russia blamed the United States for a Ukrainian ATACMS missile strike on Crimea, which resulted in civilian casualties, claims emerged on social media suggesting that Russian forces had shot down a US RQ-4B Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) over the Black Sea.

Prominent Russian military bloggers, including Fighterbomber, which reportedly has close Kremlin ties, shared these claims. They asserted on Telegram that a Russian MiG-31 interceptor had downed a US RQ-4B UAV over the Black Sea. Some bloggers even mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the pilot responsible for the mission.

The Fighterbomber channel stated, “If [the Americans] fly again, it means they are prepared for the loss of a Global Hawk (or even more than one).”

However, these claims lack concrete evidence. The Kremlin has not acknowledged the rumors, and neither the Ukrainian Armed Forces nor the US military has commented on them.

The claims have generated significant discussion among Ukrainian military bloggers and open-source intelligence accounts tracking the ongoing conflict. A popular account expressed skepticism, noting, “If an interception or attack on a Global Hawk happened, we would likely see a video from the Russian Ministry of Defense.”

 Kyiv-based security analyst Jimmy Rushton wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that no such incident occurred over the Black Sea and that the pro-Russian accounts’ claims were fake news. As of this report, the US Department of Defense (DoD) had not commented on these developments.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military bloggers reported that the drone in question returned to its base unharmed.

These claims followed the Kremlin's accusation that the United States was responsible for a Ukrainian ATACMS missile attack on Crimea, which resulted in at least four deaths and 151 injuries. Moscow officially warned the American ambassador of impending retaliation.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated, “All flight missions for the American ATACMS operational-tactical missiles are planned by American specialists using US satellite reconnaissance data. Therefore, responsibility for the deliberate missile attack on civilians in Sevastopol primarily lies with Washington, which supplied these weapons to Ukraine, as well as the Kyiv regime, from whose territory this attack was launched.”

While the Russian MoD did not directly link the ATACMS attack to the RQ-4B UAV, Russian media suggested that the US reconnaissance drone circled over the Black Sea during the Ukrainian attack on Sevastopol. These reports, based on Flightradar flight tracking data, indicated that the Global Hawk might have supported Ukrainian troops during the attack, raising fears of escalating tensions between the Cold War rivals.

The incident echoes a previous event where Russian fighter jets dumped fuel over an MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea, causing it to lose control and crash into the sea.

The Global Hawk is an advanced aerial reconnaissance system that operates at high altitudes for extended periods, controlled remotely without an onboard crew and unarmed. It has a history of numerous missions across various conflict zones. Equipped with integrated sensors and cameras, it can continuously capture high-resolution images of large areas, day or night, and in all weather conditions. According to manufacturer Northrop Grumman, the Global Hawk can detect targets over 340 miles away from its 60,000-foot operating altitude.

The drone complements manned and space reconnaissance systems by providing continuous, near-real-time coverage using imagery intelligence (IMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) sensors. The precise range of its cameras and sensors remains classified.

The MQ-4A variant of the Global Hawk was shot down by Iranian forces in June 2023 while flying over the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a statement from Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) that the UAV had breached Iranian airspace, sending a “clear message to America.”

The Global Hawk has been extensively used by US forces for sophisticated military operations and has been sold to countries like South Korea and Japan for enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance.

The drone played a critical role in Operation ‘Inherent Resolve’ against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), providing real-time imagery and signals intelligence to help commanders make crucial decisions, distinguish between friendly and enemy forces, identify long-term targets, and monitor hostile equipment movements.

Recently, the US Air Force deployed RQ-4 Global Hawks to a base in Japan as part of a rotational deployment strategy to support sustained operations in the region and maintain a “free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

Russia has frequently noted how NATO and US aircraft, such as the RC-135 Rivet, RQ-4B Global Hawk drone, and the E-8 Joint STARS reconnaissance aircraft, fly around Ukraine’s coast and the Black Sea to support Kyiv’s military operations.

The Global Hawk was reportedly involved in the October 2022 maritime drone strike on the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet in Crimea’s Sevastopol. Russian forces have cited the drone's involvement in several such Ukrainian operations.

Moscow is using the ATACMS attack to strengthen its argument that it is fighting a proxy war against the West, questioning Washington’s intentions.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Su-34s: Drone Attack on Morozovsk Airfield 250km Behind Frontlines

 

On June 14, satellite images confirmed a successful drone strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Morozovsk Airfield in Russia’s Rostov region, about 250 kilometers from the frontlines. The attack, which occurred on June 13, highlights the airfield's crucial role in supporting Russian Air Force operations in Ukraine, particularly as a base for Su-34 strike fighters.

The extent of the damage remains uncertain, but initial reports suggest no aircraft were destroyed. The vulnerability of Russian airbases to drone strikes is a growing concern, indicating potential for more frequent attacks due to limited air defense capabilities.

Ukraine’s ability to target key Russian sites has been significantly bolstered by American ATACMS ballistic missiles and support from Western specialists, NATO satellite networks, and air surveillance data. In mid-May, ATACMS missiles were used to strike Russia’s Belbek Air Base in Crimea, destroying two MiG-31 interceptors. Additionally, a drone attack targeted a Voronezh-DM radar system in Armavir, a critical component of Russia’s defense against Western missile threats.

In response, the U.S. has eased restrictions on Ukrainian operations, allowing deeper strikes within Russia using American weaponry. Consequently, Russia deployed an S-500 system in June to enhance its missile defense capabilities.

Ukraine's increased focus on drone and missile strikes comes amid ground setbacks and heavy casualties, allowing the Russian Army to gain territory since late 2022. The drone strike on Morozovsk Airport, targeting Su-34s, seems to be retaliation for Russian airstrikes on June 12, which hit a Ukrainian command post in the Northern Military District zone using high-explosive aviation bombs with precision modules.

On June 13, Russian media shared images of a pontoon crossing over the Pecheneg Dam in Kharkiv Oblast, destroyed by a Su-34 strike using a Kh-38MLE missile. The attack submerged several sections of the crossing, with footage capturing two Ukrainian military trucks approaching just before the missile hit.

The bridge in Stari Saltov across the Seversky Donets has been a repeated target, initially destroyed early in the conflict and rebuilt by Ukrainian engineers. This continued targeting underscores the strategic importance of these crossings in the ongoing conflict.

On February 21, 2022, Russia claimed a border facility attack by Ukrainian forces, which Ukraine denied as false flags. That same day, Russia recognized the self-proclaimed areas of DPR and LPR, and subsequently, Putin sent military forces into these regions. This action escalated on February 24, 2022, with Putin launching a full-scale assault on Ukraine, labeled as a "special military operation" by Russia.

Despite rumors, the U.S. may not provide Ukraine with ATACMS missiles with a 300km range, maintaining the focus on current support measures.

Russian Military Aircraft Breach Finnish Airspace

 On June 10, the Finnish Ministry of Defense reported a suspected incursion into Finnish airspace by a Russian military aircraft near Loviisa, a town less than 100 km from Helsinki. This day saw significant Russian air activity, including flights by several Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, escorted by Su-30SM, Su-27, and Su-33 fighters over the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Baltic Sea.

Additionally, German Eurofighter EF-2000 jets stationed in NATO's Latvia were dispatched to intercept two Su-27 fighters and an Il-20 Coot electronic reconnaissance aircraft operating near the Baltic states without prior flight plans or active transponders.

According to the Finnish Ministry of Defense, the Russian aircraft reportedly penetrated 2.5 km (1.55 miles) into Finnish territory before turning back, with the incursion lasting around two minutes. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen emphasized the seriousness of any suspected territorial violation, noting that preliminary investigations are conducted in such cases.

Four days later, the investigation revealed the situation was more serious than initially thought. The Finnish Border Guard Agency, under the Ministry's jurisdiction, discovered that at least three additional aircraft were involved in the breach, totaling four aircraft: two bombers and two fighters. The investigation continues, and final results will be shared upon completion.

Interestingly, the Finnish Air Force, despite deploying four F/A-18 Hornets in Romania under NATO, did not initially respond to this incident. This was not addressed in the Ministry of Defense's first press release. However, back in August 2022, one of their fighter jets intercepted two MiG-31s that briefly entered Finnish airspace, coinciding with Russia's nuclear exercises with Belarus.

Historical Context:

Finland, once part of the Kingdom of Sweden for over 600 years, was ceded to the Russian Empire in 1809, gaining a special autonomous status as a grand duchy. After the Russian Empire's collapse in 1917, Finland declared independence. The Winter War of 1940 tested Finland's independence, with the Soviet Union annexing parts of the country despite Finland's strong defense. This left lasting concerns about potential future conflicts with Russia.

During the Cold War, Finland maintained its independence but could not strongly oppose the Soviet Union, a period known as "Finlandization." After the Soviet Union's fall, Finland joined the European Union and NATO, achieving full political freedom.

Finland has since prepared for potential conflict with Russia, evident in its defense strategy, which includes remote highways set up for fighter jets. This allows for quick mobilization of its air force, assuming regular air bases might be initial targets in a conflict. Finland's "total defense" strategy, according to the Financial Times, showcases a robust Finnish Air Force, currently operating F/A-18 fighter jets soon to be upgraded to advanced F-35 Lightning IIs.

Ukraine Strikes Deep Inside Russia: Damages Advanced Su-57 Fighter Jet

Ukraine has successfully targeted and damaged a highly prized Russian Su-57 fighter jet stationed deep within Russian territory, according to a Sunday report from Ukraine's main intelligence directorate (GUR).

The attack struck the Akhtubinsk airfield in the Astrakhan region, about 360 miles from the front lines. Satellite imagery provided by Ukrainian military intelligence shows the Su-57 intact on June 7 and damaged on June 8.

The Su-57 is described by Ukrainian intelligence as Russia's "most modern fighter," capable of deploying Kh-59 and Kh-69 missiles. A pro-Kremlin Telegram channel, Fighterbomber, which often confirms Russian military losses, reported shrapnel damage to the aircraft, with its reparability still undetermined.

Unlike Russia's more commonly deployed Su-25 and Su-35 aircraft, the fifth-generation Su-57 has seen limited use since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. This strike marks the first instance of a Su-57 being damaged in combat, according to Ukrainian military intelligence.

Military correspondent David Axe noted in Forbes that if the damage is confirmed, this would be only the second stealth aircraft lost in combat since the US Air Force first deployed the Lockheed Martin F-117. The first instance was in 1999 when a Serbian air defense battery shot down an F-117 during the Kosovo war.

Ukraine has recently increased the range of its strikes into Russian territory. On Saturday, a video surfaced showing a Ukrainian long-range attack drone targeting Mozdok air base in Russia's North Ossetia region, about 450 miles from the front line. Although it is unclear if the drone caused any military damage, the base houses significant assets, including Tu-22M bombers, Su-24M/MR strike aircraft, and military helicopters.

Retired Australian army general Mick Ryan wrote earlier this year that such deep strikes force Russia to reassess and redeploy its air defense resources. David Axe added that Ukraine's escalating drone campaign has stretched Russia's air defenses thin, unable to protect all critical assets.

The last major Ukrainian attack on Russian warplanes was on May 17, when Ukraine hit Balbek Airfield in occupied Crimea, damaging a Su-27 and two MiG-31s.

Sweden Donates AEW&C Aircraft to Ukraine, Enhancing F-16 Capabilities Amid Threats from Russian MiG-31BM

In a major and unexpected move, Sweden has announced it will supply Ukraine with two Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft as part of a new SEK 13.3 billion ($1.25 billion) military aid package. This aid marks Sweden's largest support package to date, aiming to bolster collective air defense capabilities. The announcement came on May 29, when the Swedish government detailed its "Military Support Package 16," with the Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, also known as the S 100D Argus or ASC 890, being the central component.

The Swedish Ministry of Defense stated that these aircraft would provide Ukraine with a new capability for airborne radar reconnaissance and combat control against air and sea targets, significantly enhancing Kyiv's long-range detection and targeting abilities. Equipped with advanced Erieye radars based on Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, these aircraft will revolutionize Ukraine’s surveillance capabilities.

Currently, the Swedish Air Force operates only two of these sophisticated surveillance planes. The aid package indicates that one or both of these planes will be transferred to Kyiv, temporarily reducing Sweden’s AEW&C capability. To address this, Stockholm will expedite the acquisition of an additional Saab GlobalEye platform and accelerate the delivery of two units already on order, with the first new aircraft expected by 2027.

Sweden’s Minister of Defense, Pal Jonson, noted that sending the planes followed intensive discussions with coalition countries and emphasized that the ASC 890 aircraft would significantly bolster Ukrainian air defense. These advanced aircraft will complement the F-16 fighter jets to be supplied by Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, forming a robust air force coalition for Ukraine. The timeline for the delivery of the ASC 890 aircraft has not been specified.

AEW&C Aircraft for Ukraine

The deployment of these AEW&C aircraft holds significant strategic value. They offer extensive overhead surveillance, crucial for detecting low-flying threats like Russian drones and cruise missiles that often evade conventional radar systems. The Saab 340 AEW&C will play a vital role in coordinating F-16 fighter operations by detecting, prioritizing, and guiding targets for interception, thus enhancing Ukraine's defense posture.

Valerii Romanenko, a leading researcher at the National Aviation University of Ukraine, emphasized the transformative impact of these aircraft, highlighting their ability to unlock the full potential of the multi-role F-16 fighters. The Saab 340’s integration with the NATO-standard Link 16 datalink communications system ensures seamless coordination with allied air defense systems, providing a comprehensive air defense picture and targeting data to compatible systems both airborne and on the ground.

Russian Threats and AEW&C Vulnerability

Despite their operational advantages, AEW&C systems are vulnerable to hostile actions. Earlier this year, the Russian Air Force lost two Beriev A-50 AWACS planes to Ukrainian missile attacks, underscoring the strategic importance and susceptibility of these aircraft. The Saab 340 AEW&C, with a detection range of up to 450 km, would need to operate within Ukrainian airspace to be effective, making them targets for Russian MiG-31BM and Su-57 fighters armed with R-37 air-to-air missiles, which have a range of 300 kilometers.

While the MiG-31BM presents a detectable threat, the Su-57’s advanced stealth capabilities pose a significant detection challenge. Additionally, the R-37M missiles are exceedingly difficult to evade. The Mikoyan MiG-31BM interceptors near the Russia-Ukraine border extend the threat radius across Ukrainian airspace, often forcing Ukrainian fighter pilots to abort missions. The relatively slower and less agile Saab 340 is more vulnerable compared to the four-engine A-50, which can reach higher speeds and altitudes.

Conclusion

The introduction of Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft to Ukraine’s military will significantly enhance its surveillance and defense capabilities. However, these gains come with increased vulnerability to advanced Russian fighter jets and missile systems. The balance of power in the region will be closely monitored as these developments unfold. 

Putin's Warning: F-16s Vulnerable to Russian MiG-31s? Analysis & Threat Assessment

 Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned that US-supplied F-16 Fighting Falcons to Ukraine could become targets if employed against Russian forces from third-party nations' airfields. Putin's statement follows NATO's announcement granting Ukraine authority to deploy F-16s to engage legitimate Russian military targets beyond its borders.

The F-16s, intended to modernize Ukraine's aging fleet and strengthen its air force capabilities, pose a strategic shift towards Western integration and reduced reliance on outdated Soviet-era aircraft.

However, Russia maintains a formidable aerial advantage, primarily through the deployment of MiG-31 fighter jets armed with the long-range R-37M missile. These missiles have proven effective against Ukrainian aircraft, including instances of downing MiG-29s and deterring foreign surveillance aircraft like the Norwegian P-8A Poseidon.

The MiG-31, a legacy aircraft from the Cold War era, boasts advanced digital avionics and a rear-seated weapon systems officer. Equipped with the Zaslon radar, capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously, the MiG-31 remains a potent air dominance fighter despite its limited close combat capabilities.

Enhancements in the MiG-31BM variant include network-centric combat control, upgraded radar systems, and extended service life. With a focus on multi-role capability, the MiG-31BM can engage air, surface, and ground targets with improved efficiency.

Additionally, the introduction of hypersonic air-to-air missiles like the R-37M and Kinzhal further bolsters Russia's offensive capabilities, posing a significant challenge to Ukraine's air force.

In response, Ukraine's acquisition of surplus F-16s from NATO allies aims to augment its aerial capabilities. However, the F-16s equipped with AIM-120 air-to-air missiles face challenges against the MiG-31/R-37M combination, necessitating upgrades to narrow the capability gap.

Despite the disparity, F-16s could potentially push back MiG-31s, enabling deeper incursions into Russian airspace and enhancing operational effectiveness over occupied territories.

As tensions escalate, the evolving dynamics between Ukraine's F-16s and Russia's MiG-31s underscore the complex geopolitics and strategic considerations at play in the region's airspace.