How russia Is Strangely Using Its "Rare and Irreplaceable" Be-12 Aircraft Against Ukrainian USVs (Video) | Defense Express

Footage circulating on russian Telegram channels allegedly shows a Be-12 amphibious aircraft destroying a Ukrainian USV. These aircraft can indeed be described as "rare," having entered service 58 years ago, in 1968.

russia originally had six Be-12 aircraft in service. However, as a result of drone strikes carried out by Ukraine's Defense Intelligence in September 2025, two of them were destroyed at Kacha air base in temporarily occupied Crimea. Despite their age and limited numbers, the aircraft remain in use, largely because russia has no direct replacement for them.

According to the video, the alleged Ukrainian USV was attacked using four PLAB-250-120 anti-submarine aerial bombs. This choice of weapon is particularly odd, as these munitions were specifically designed to engage submarines rather than surface targets.

Against surface targets, such bombs would be relatively ineffective. At the same time, these weapons are effectively the only standard means available to the Be-12 for engaging unmanned surface vessels. In addition to the PLAB-250-120, the aircraft can carry PLAB-50 bombs, UPLAP-50 training bombs, and torpedoes.