Ukraine Details Drone-Assisted Assault on Russian Submarine

On Tuesday, Ukraine disclosed fresh insights into the strategic actions preceding its drone strike on a Russian submarine.

The country's security agency, known as the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), released footage illustrating the initial attack on a Russian reconnaissance plane, the Il-38N or Sea Dragon. This operation utilized an airburst warhead mounted on a drone.

The agency revealed a video showing the drone's approach towards the Sea Dragon stationed on a runway, equipped with an explosive device designed to disperse over 2,000 fragments.

The explosion reportedly happened directly over the section containing the main instruments and radars, causing damage to the aircraft's engine, according to the SBU.

While Business Insider hasn't verified the filming specifics, it's noted that the Russian defense ministry hasn't commented on the incident.

Disabling this aircraft was crucial for the subsequent attack on the submarine, stated the SBU.

The Sea Dragon’s role was critical in countering SBU's maritime drones because it was the only aircraft capable of identifying them as they approached the target, noted the security service.

The attack took place at the Yeysk air base, located on the Sea of Azov, roughly 140 miles from Novorossiysk.

Novorossiysk, a key Black Sea port housing numerous Russian naval resources, was where the SBU earlier reported attacking a Kilo-class submarine with a Sub Sea Baby drone.

This drone, a modified version of an uncrewed surface vessel called Sea Baby, can function underwater and ram into targets with its explosive payload.

The SBU exhibited footage of an explosion near a Novorossiysk pier, but the exact timing of the footage remains unknown.

Despite Russia's Black Sea Fleet rejecting claims of substantial harm to the Kilo-class submarine, the vessel—equipped to launch four Kalibr cruise missiles valued by Ukraine at $400 million—was evidently targeted.

Commonly likened to the US Tomahawk, these missiles are frequently employed by Russia against Ukrainian cities.

Without a formal navy, Ukraine has leaned on drones and missiles to pressure Russia's Black Sea Fleet, sometimes forcing retreats.

Previously, the SBU had reported that the Kilo-class submarine withdrew from Crimea to Novorossiysk due to Ukrainian attacks.