Through the publication of a brief statement on his Telegram channel, the commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert Brovdi, made it known that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have attacked with drones the Russian frigate “Admiral Makarov” in the port of the city of Novorossiysk. According to what he indicated in his description, the event took place during the early hours of today, highlighting that it occurred within the framework of a broader operation where the oil platform “Syvash” was also attacked.
Expanding on details in this regard, Commander Brovdi pointed out that the attack against the Russian frigate in question was carried out by drones of the 1st Center of Unmanned Systems Forces, counting on the support and coordination of the Security Service of Ukraine (better known as the SBU); which is also in charge of carrying out the subsequent intelligence work to confirm the damage. As a first indication that would account for the success of the attack, the source stated that the governor of the region confirmed that the port of Novorossiysk suffered a large fire during the night.
It is useful to recall at this point that the frigate Admiral Makarov constitutes an important combat asset for the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy, mainly due to having the capability to deploy Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles frequently used in attacks against targets in Ukraine. Particularly, this vessel is part of the class known as Project 11356M Burevestnik, whose first ship has been the frigate Admiral Grigorovich; which was initially pointed out as the target of the attacks prior to a data update by the SBU.
Briefly reviewing some of its most relevant characteristics, we can mention that each of the frigates that make up the class present a length of about 124.8 meters and a draft of 4.2 meters; in addition to a standard displacement of about 3,620 tons. Regarding their propulsion systems, these make use of a CODAG-type system that gives them the capability to reach speeds of up to 30 knots and a range that is around 4,850 nautical miles (maintaining a speed of 14 knots).
If we observe the different armaments that equip them, in addition to the already mentioned Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles that are deployed from UKSK VLS cells, we will also find the presence of a main A-190 gun, Shtil-1 anti-aircraft systems and two Kashtan CIWS. In addition, these ships make use of 533 mm torpedo tubes, as well as an RBU-6000 rocket launcher and even a hangar capable of housing Ka-27PL or Ka-31 helicopters that complement their capabilities. In terms of radars, the design relies mainly on a Fregat M2EM system to track air targets and on T-25E Garpun-B systems for the search of naval threats, while it also has the TK-25E-5 electronic warfare suite and KT-216 countermeasures.
Finally, referring to the other attacks carried out with drones by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, we can mention that the Syvash oil platform was targeted by the 413th Assault Battalion in coordination with elements of the Ukrainian Navy. Added to this, local media also pointed out that in recent dates it was also possible to destroy at least two radar stations, a Tor anti-aircraft system and other types of elements in the Crimean Peninsula, as well as in the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.
*Image credits to whom it may correspond
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