Russia Deploys Soviet-Era Aircraft to Counter Black Sea Threats: UK
Western intelligence suggests that Russia is likely using the Be-12 amphibious plane, a decades-old aircraft, to counter the threat posed by Ukraine's sea drones to its Black Sea Fleet. Ukraine has recently increased its assaults on the fleet, including cruise missile strikes and attacks with uncrewed surface vessels. Sea drones have become a challenge for Russia, prompting them to prioritize developing their own naval fleet of drones. Russia's defense ministry is searching for solutions to counter these attacks, and the Be-12 amphibious plane is seen as a key asset for maritime air patrol operations in identifying and countering sea drones.