What's happened
Ukraine's SBU claimed to have used underwater drones to disable a Russian Kilo-class submarine at Novorossiysk, marking the first time such a vessel was targeted with this technology. Russia denied damage, but Ukraine's operation signals a new phase in naval warfare amid ongoing conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The significance of Ukraine's underwater drone attack
This operation represents a strategic escalation in Ukraine's asymmetric naval warfare, demonstrating the potential of uncrewed systems to target high-value Russian assets like submarines. The use of underwater drones to neutralise a submarine for the first time indicates a technological shift that could alter naval combat dynamics.
The attack also exposes vulnerabilities in Russia's naval infrastructure, especially its reliance on expensive submarines like the Project 636.3 'Black Hole,' which could cost up to $500 million to replace, and the difficulty of repairing damage above water.
This event occurs amid tense peace negotiations, with Russia refusing territorial concessions and Ukraine seeking to demonstrate its capacity to inflict significant damage. The operation may influence future military strategies, encouraging Ukraine and other nations to develop more advanced unmanned naval systems.
In the broader context, this attack underscores the increasing importance of drone warfare in modern conflicts, where uncrewed systems can challenge traditional naval dominance and shift the balance of power in regional conflicts.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Ukraine's SBU claimed responsibility for the first-ever underwater drone attack on a Russian submarine, emphasizing the operation's unprecedented nature. CNN and The Moscow Times corroborate the event, noting Russia's denial of damage and highlighting the strategic implications. Business Insider UK provides insight into Ukraine's broader naval strategy and the significance of targeting a vessel capable of launching Kalibr missiles. The articles collectively illustrate a turning point in naval warfare, driven by technological innovation and ongoing conflict dynamics.
How we got here
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kyiv has increasingly targeted Russian naval assets in the Black Sea, using drones and missiles to disrupt Russia's naval operations. Ukraine's naval capabilities are limited, prompting reliance on uncrewed systems to challenge Russia's Black Sea Fleet, which has been largely relocated from Crimea to Novorossiysk due to Ukrainian attacks.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Does Ukraine's First Successful Attack on a Russian Submarine Mean?
Ukraine's recent use of underwater drones to damage a Russian submarine marks a significant shift in naval warfare in the Black Sea. This historic event raises questions about regional security, the future of drone warfare, and how this could impact the balance of power between Ukraine and Russia. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this groundbreaking operation and what it could mean for the ongoing conflict.
More on these topics
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The Security Service of Ukraine or SBU, is Ukraine's law-enforcement authority and main government security agency in the areas of counterintelligence activity and combating terrorism.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Novorossiysk is a city in Krasnodar Krai, Russia. It is the largest port on the Black Sea and the largest Russian port. It is one of the few cities honored with the title of the Hero City. Population: 338,798, 241,952; 232,079; 185,938.