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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| Moment Ukraine 'destroys Russian submarine in first attack of its kind using underwater drones' |
| 2025-12-17 |
| [Daily Mail, where America gets its news] This is the moment Ukrainian forces are believed to have destroyed a Russian submarine using underwater drones, in what is believed to be the first attack of its kind in history. Footage shared by Ukraine's security service (SBU) appeared to show 'Sea Baby' drones decimating a Kilo-class submarine, in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. A plume of water and debris can be seen soaring high into the air above the Russian naval base. It appears that no other military vessels docked in Novorossiysk were attacked by Ukrainian forces. The SBU claimed that the submarine 'suffered critical damage and... was put out of action', adding that the joint operation between itself and Ukraine's navy is the first time in history a submarine has been taken out by a naval drone. It said that the vessel was a Class 636.3 'Varshavyanka', the most recent variant of the diesel-electric attack submarines in Russia's fleet. These deadly vessels are said to be capable of operating at a depth of 790ft, and are typically armed with dozens of torpedoes, mines and a host of missiles. Designed to operate in shallow, coastal waters and tasked with anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, US forces have nicknamed the submarines 'Black Holes' as they are among the stealthiest in the world. The SBU claimed the submarine it targeted was, at the time, carrying four Kalibr cruise missiles, the land-based versions of which have a range of up to 1,550 miles. Estimates of the cost of each submarine vary, but they are believed to cost hundreds of millions of pounds to make. Ukraine said that given the increased costs associated with the international sanctions imposed on Russia since it invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago, Putin may have to fork out half a billion dollars to replace this submarine. The Sea Baby drone, developed by Ukraine following Putin's invasion, is capable of carrying nearly 1,900lbs of explosives that can be detonated remotely. They are also capable of carrying up to six grenade launchers for use in battle, have a range of at least 600 miles and can travel at up to 60mph. Each one is believed to cost around £180,000 to make. Ukraine has been using Sea Baby drones more and more in recent weeks. Late last week, the navy attacked a tanker from Putin's notorious shadow fleet using a fleet of Sea Baby drones. Footage shows the detonation in the stern of the giant Dashan in the Black Sea. The explosion on the 164,608-ton vessel came after attacks by Sea Baby marine drones. The extent of the damage is unclear but satellite data shows the 902ft-long tanker stopped moving. Russian sources immediately sought to implicate Britain in the attack on a tanker which could carry £45million worth of oil. Related: Novorossiysk: 2025-12-16 Ukrainian Perspective: Invasion of Ukraine: December 15, 2025 Novorossiysk: 2025-12-16 Russian Ministry of Defense denied Ukraine's claim that a submarine was destroyed in Novorossiysk Novorossiysk: 2025-12-11 Ukrainian Perspective: Invasion of Ukraine: December 10, 2025 |
| Posted by:Skidmark |