Ukrainian intelligence damages Russian Kalibr missile platform
Defense Express revealed what the Main Intelligence Directorate struck on Russia’s Kalibr carrier (Illustrative photo: GettyImages)
Ukrainian intelligence likely used an FPV drone to strike the Russian small missile ship Buyan-M, which was in the Sea of Azov. The ship sustained damage as a result of the strikes, according to Defense Express.
Defense Express analysts believe that Ukrainian intelligence specifically used an FPV drone for the attack. This is likely the first successful historical strike on a ship with such a drone, and at a distance of over 350 km.
"At this range, both the guidance of the strike systems and target designation were ensured. To attack an enemy ship, it is first necessary to know its location. [...] Most likely, the strike was carried out using Rubaka drones and/or UJ-26 Bober. As a result of the strike, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate, the ship’s radar was disabled and its side was hit," the report states.
Drones have previously attacked boats and vessels, but not military ships of this class.
"Besides the historic achievement and sending the Kalibr carrier for repairs, it should be noted that this attack demonstrates the helplessness of Russian ships. In the video, it is quite clear that Buyan-M is actively maneuvering, meaning the crew is aware of the threat. Yet its air defense systems remain silent," Defense Express points out.
At the same time, the Russian ship was equipped to repel the attack, including the high-rate-of-fire AK-630M2 Duet artillery system, but the Russian forces did not use this weaponry.
Strike on the Buyan-M
On August 28, Ukrainian forces struck the Russian small missile ship Buyan-M in the Sea of Azov.
Special forces from the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence unit Phantoms damaged the ship’s radar with an aerial drone strike, while special operators attacked the side of the Kalibr carrier.
