Targeted Effort To Erode Russian Maritime Aviation Fleet Continues

Ukraine’s Defense Forces have reported striking Russian aviation assets overnight on February 21, 2026, damaging two Beriev Be-12 amphibious aircraft at a military repair facility in occupied Crimea. The facility, located in the Crimean city of Yevpatoria, is used to maintain and overhaul Russian naval aviation platforms operating over the Black Sea. Ukrainian officials stated that the extent of the damage is still being assessed. The Be-12, a Cold War-era amphibious aircraft, has retained a limited role in Russian service for maritime surveillance and training. The strike was part of a broader overnight operation that also targeted Russian patrol vessels and a multiple launch rocket system. This development was first reported by AeroTime.