UK intelligence analyses Ukrainian strike on Russian submarine in Novorossiysk
UK Defence Intelligence has released an analysis of the consequences of a Ukrainian underwater drone attack on the Russian port of Novorossiysk.
Source: UK Defence Intelligence update dated 20 December on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda
Details: On the night of 14-15 December, Ukrainian forces carried out an "unprecedented underwater uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) strike" on a Russian Kilo-class submarine at the naval base in the city of Novorossiysk in the east of the Black Sea.
Quote: "The strike, utilising a Sub Sea Baby drone, has likely resulted in significant damage to the submarine, leaving it unable to sail of its own accord or deploy. This submarine is a Kalibr missile capable platform, which was used to strike targets in Ukraine."
More details: UK Defence Intelligence added, citing open sources, that as of 18 December, the damaged submarine was still docked in port, "while other Russian vessels have dispersed from Novorossiysk Naval Base as a cautionary measure to mitigate against potential further Ukrainian strikes".
Quote: "Ukraine's successful strike, penetrating Novorossiysk's multi-layered defences, emphatically demonstrates the rapidly developing proficiency and capability of Ukraine's maritime forces, particularly utilising uncrewed systems."
More details: UK Defence Intelligence added that this could "significantly undermine the Russian military leadership's confidence in Russia's Black Sea Fleet force protection measures".
Background:
- The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) reported earlier that it had, for the first time in history, blown up a Russian submarine using Sub Sea Baby drones. The SSU said that the blast caused critical damage, effectively putting the submarine out of action.
- Estonia's Ministry of Defence said that in its official reporting, Russia seeks to play down the Ukrainian successes both on the Kupiansk front and near the city of Pokrovsk.
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