Ukrainian strike hits Russian frigate Admiral Essen used for Kalibr launches, OSINT analysts say
Ukraine is believed to have hit the Russian frigate Admiral Essen during a drone attack on the city of Novorossiysk on the night of 1-2 March. Russia has used the ship to launch Kalibr cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine.
Source: CyberBoroshno, a community of OSINT analysts, analysing information from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), on social media
Details: Following analysis of satellite imagery of the Novorossiysk naval port, a base for Russia's Black Sea Fleet, the analysts said the UAV attack hit the vessel's midship superstructure. This triggered the detonation of PK-10 decoy launchers and destroyed the TK-25 electronic warfare suite. The analysts also said the ZR-90 Orek fire control radars were damaged and that debris likely struck the main Fregat-M2M radar.
For rereference: The Admiral Essen is a Russian Project 11356R Burevestnik frigate launched in 2014 and added to Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The ship took part in missile strikes on Syria in 2017 and has been used in attacks on Ukraine since 2022. It is armed with 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles, the Shtil-1 surface-to-air missile system and a 100mm A-190 naval gun.
Russian monitoring channels said about 200 drones may have been involved in the overnight attack on Novorossiysk.
Update as of 18:06: The analysts also confirmed a strike on the stern of a Project 1241 Molniya missile boat. CyberBoroshnо said the main engines and aft engine room are located in this part of the vessel and power the boat's propulsion system.
Quote: "In addition, the aft section houses two 30mm AK-630M artillery mounts designed for close-range air defence and engaging small targets. This section also contains diesel generators that supply power to the ship's systems and crew service areas including the mess."
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