Through the publication of a short video on its YouTube channel, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced that it had attacked one of the submarines deployed by the Russian Navy in the Black Sea, using one of its new naval drones, the “Sub Sea Baby.” Specifically, the target was identified as a Project 636.3–class submarine (also known as Kilo II or Improved Kilo) located at the Novorossiysk naval base, while the planning and execution of the operation were carried out by the Ukrainian Navy together with the 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU.
Expanding on some details released by the SBU itself, the explosion caused by the attack reportedly left the submarine completely disabled, including its Kalibr missile launchers, which are used in attacks against Ukrainian territory; this being one of the main reasons for selecting the target within a base hosting multiple assets. As can be seen in the aforementioned video, the explosion is said to have occurred at the stern of the identified submarine, causing damage to its propulsion system and hull severe enough to put it out of service. Kyiv also emphasized that the attack represented a loss of 400 million dollars for the Russian Navy, a cost that would be even higher when taking into account the sanctions imposed on Moscow when attempting to build another unit.
Regarding the “Sub Sea Baby” drone allegedly used in the attack, the SBU refrained from providing further details, although initial reports from analysts indicate that it would be a system derived from the Sea Baby already employed by the Ukrainian Navy against surface vessels, characterized by its ability to attack while remaining submerged. In this sense, it is claimed that it could be a type of autonomous torpedo with guidance systems that allowed it to maneuver inside the base to reach the Russian submarine, which, given the characteristics of the facilities, required tight turns.
It should be noted, however, that the Russian Ministry of Defense has denied that the attack publicized by the SBU was successful. Moreover, another short video has been released showing that the Kilo II–class submarine remains moored at the pier without having suffered any damage; even with crew members walking on its deck without apparent difficulty. It remains unclear to this day whether it is the same unit, or whether the video was recorded on earlier dates and later edited, pointing to yet another instance of Moscow and Kyiv’s mutual attempts to control the narrative of the conflict.
Some precedents of Ukrainian attacks in the Black Sea
Given the lack of certainty regarding this latest event, it should be mentioned that, if confirmed, it would not be the first Russian submarine neutralized by Ukrainian attacks while in port. More specifically, in September 2023, a series of images were published showing the severe damage suffered by the submarine “Rostov-on-Don” while it was docked at a pier in Sevastopol, allegedly caused by drones and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. On the same occasion, damage was also confirmed to the Project 775–class landing ship “Minsk,” with serious fires affecting its superstructure and internal compartments.
On the other hand, it is necessary to point out that the attack announced by the SBU occurred at a time when an increase in operations in the Black Sea has been observed, especially those directed by Ukraine against Russian targets in Crimea and Novorossiysk. One of the clearest examples of this can be found in the recent attacks against the oil tankers Virat and Kiaros at the end of November, or the use of Sea Baby drones against the vessel Dashan a little less than a week ago. All of them were headed for this latter destination.
If one broadens the view of Ukraine’s attack strategy in the region, it is impossible not to mention the Kerch Bridge as a strategic objective, as it is the link between occupied Crimea and Russian territory. It is a frequent target of Ukrainian operations, including attempts by the SBU to use underwater explosives to destroy its supports and thus bring it down in June, without achieving this objective so far. Previously, for example in October 2022 or July 2023, attempts were also made using drones aimed at collapsing the bridge’s supporting pillars; causing significant damage on both occasions, though not to the extent expected by Kyiv.
Cover image: SBU
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