What Is Special About russian Be-200 Aircraft and Its Destruction Near Yeysk

Key Points:

• On May 15, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces carried out long-range strikes targeting multiple Russian military assets, including air defense systems, ammunition cargo ships, training centers, and aviation units near Yeysk on the Azov Sea coast.
• A significant loss for Russia was the destruction of a rare Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft, which is used for maritime reconnaissance and rapid transport, with only about three such aircraft operated by Russian military forces.
• The Be-200 aircraft, developed from the Beriev A-40 project and manufactured in Taganrog, has strategic value, and previous Ukrainian strikes on the Taganrog facility caused approximately $65 million in damage.
• Analysts suggest the attack near Yeysk was likely executed using Ukrainian FP-1 or FP-2 long-range drones capable of real-time terminal guidance, possibly utilizing a relay drone with a Starlink satellite communication terminal to overcome Russian territory communication restrictions.
• This operation highlights a potential advancement in Ukraine's drone warfare tactics, demonstrating sophisticated use of relay systems to maintain control over drones during deep strikes inside Russian territory.