In a bold declaration that could mark a significant shift in naval combat, Ukraine has announced what it calls a historic first in its ongoing war with Russia. Kyiv claims to have successfully struck a Russian submarine using specialised underwater drones.
A Strategic Strike in Novorossiysk
According to statements from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), the attack targeted a Russian submarine docked at the key Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The strike, which reportedly occurred recently, was carried out using unmanned underwater vehicles known as 'Sub Sea Baby' drones.
Ukrainian officials assert that the vessel suffered critical damage from the drone assault, effectively rendering it inoperable. They emphasised that the submarine was armed with Kalibr cruise missiles, a weapon system Russia has frequently used to launch attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure from the sea.
As of now, Moscow has not issued any official comment regarding Ukraine's claims about the submarine attack. The silence from the Russian defence ministry leaves the full extent of the damage unverified by independent sources.
Escalating Drone Campaign on Multiple Fronts
This alleged submarine strike is part of a broader and intensifying Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian naval and energy assets. In a related development, a Ukrainian security source informed Reuters of another successful long-range drone operation.
The source stated that drones struck a Russian oil production platform in the Caspian Sea. Notably, this was reportedly the third such attack on the platform within a single week, forcing a halt to its production activities. These parallel actions highlight Ukraine's growing capability and willingness to project force at long distances.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to rage on other fronts. Russia has sustained its missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, keeping up pressure on Ukraine's southern regions and critical export routes.
Implications for Naval Warfare
If confirmed, the successful use of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to disable a manned submarine represents a potential milestone in modern warfare. It underscores how relatively low-cost, asymmetric drone technology is challenging traditional, high-value naval assets.
The targeting of a Kalibr missile carrier is also strategically significant. Neutralising such platforms reduces Russia's capacity to launch cruise missile strikes from the Black Sea, potentially easing the threat to Ukrainian civilian areas.
This incident, set against the backdrop of the ongoing drone war over the Caspian energy infrastructure, signals a new phase where maritime drones are becoming a key tool for Ukraine to counter Russian naval dominance and strike at economic targets.
