Ukraine Hits Deep Inside Russia, Destroys Two Tu-142 Aircraft and Iskander Missile System

Ukrainian forces carried out a large-scale deep strike operation on Russian military infrastructure overnight on May 30, hitting high-value assets at an airfield in Taganrog, Rostov region, according to Ukrainian military sources and multiple independent reports.

The Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces said their drones successfully struck and destroyed two Tu-142 long-range maritime patrol aircraft along with an Iskander-M ballistic missile system positioned at the facility. The operation was coordinated by Ukraine’s newly established Deep Strike command structure.

Commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi confirmed the strike, stating that Ukrainian drones penetrated Russian air defences and hit parked strategic aircraft and missile launch equipment on the ground. Video released by Ukrainian channels reportedly shows explosions and fires engulfing aircraft on the airfield.

Russian officials confirmed fires in the Taganrog area , saying drone debris caused damage to an oil depot, tanker facility, and nearby infrastructure, but they did not fully confirm military equipment losses.

The Tu-142 aircraft, a rare Soviet-era maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine platform, are considered strategically significant due to their limited numbers. The Iskander system is widely used by Russia for precision ballistic strikes against Ukrainian territory.

The Taganrog strike was part of a wider Ukrainian drone offensive targeting oil depots, fuel terminals, and energy infrastructure across southern Russia, including Armavir and Krasnodar regions.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drone warfare to strike deep inside Russian territory, while Russia continues missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Kyiv has also renewed calls for advanced Western air defence systems, including Patriot missiles, to counter ballistic threats.