Russia lost 8 warplanes in Crimea attack.
The UK Ministry of Defense says at least five Russian Su-24 fighter-bombers and three Su-30 multi-role fighter jets have been destroyed or severely damaged by explosions at the Crimea airport.
The explosions are said to have almost certainly been caused by the explosion of an unattended ammunition depot, and the true cause of the explosions is still unknown.
Saky’s hub distribution area suffered heavy damage, but the airport is likely still operational.
The loss of eight fighter jets represents a smaller fraction of the total fleet at Russia’s disposal.
However, Saky was primarily used as a base for aircraft of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet.
The naval aviation capability of the fleet is now significantly weakened.
