Ukrainian attack on Novorossiysk sub resulted in significant damage, UK intel says
Illustrative photo: the damaged submarine has remained stationary (Russian media)
On the night of December 15, Ukrainу conducted an unprecedented underwater drone strike on a Russian submarine in Novorossiysk, reportedly inflicting significant damage, according to the UK Ministry of Defense intelligence.
The intelligence noted that the strike occurred during the night of December 14-15. Ukrainian forces attacked a Varshavyanka-class submarine at the Novorossiysk naval base using an underwater drone. The vessel had previously been used to launch Kalibr missiles against Ukraine.
"The strike, utilising a Sub Sea Baby, 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 in strikes against targets in Ukraine," the UK intelligence stated.
The intelligence added that as of December 18, the damaged submarine remained in the port in the same position as at the time of the strike.
Other Russian vessels "have dispersed from Novorossiysk naval base as a cautionary measure to mitigate against potential further Ukrainian strikes."
"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," the statement said.
The UK intelligence concluded that this strike could "significantly undermine the Russian military leadership’s confidence in Russia's Black Sea Fleet force protection measures."
Strike on the Novorossiysk submarine
On December 15, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated that its forces had, for the first time in history, attacked a Russian submarine in the Novorossiysk port.
According to the SBU, the vessel suffered critical damage and was effectively put out of operation. The agency also noted that the submarine carried four Kalibr cruise missile launchers.
Later, Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said the operation against the Russian Varshavyanka-class submarine was complex and multi-layered.
