The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said the operation was carried out using Sub Sea Baby drones, critically damaging the Project 636.3 “Warszawianka”-class submarine, rendering it inoperable. The vessel, estimated to be worth at least USD 400 million, was equipped with Kalibr cruise missile launchers used in attacks on Ukrainian territory.
“This was a joint operation of the SBU’s 13th Military Counterintelligence Directorate and the Ukrainian Navy,” the agency said Monday, sharing footage of the strike on Telegram.
The SBU noted that due to international sanctions, the cost to replace the submarine could now reach USD 500 million.
Kilo-class submarines, dubbed “Black Holes” for their stealth capabilities, were relocated to Novorossiysk following earlier successful attacks by Ukrainian surface drones in the Sevastopol Bay.
In a separate operation, the Ukrainian military reported a drone strike on the Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant in southern Russia. Explosions and a large fire were recorded at the site, with damage assessments ongoing. The facility processes up to 3.5 million tons of sulfur annually, which is used in explosive manufacturing.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24