A new chapter in the Black Sea naval war opened this afternoon: the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) released a video documenting an attack via underwater drone on a Russian KILO-class submarine (specifically the "Improved KILO," or VARSHAVYANKA class) moored in the port of Novorossiysk, in the Black Sea.

According to the statement released by the SBU, the operation was conducted by units of the 13th Main Directorate of the SBU Counterintelligence Department in coordination with operators from the Special Operations Center SOUTH, the Ukrainian Navy Special Forces unit. The note claims the submarine sustained significant damage, effectively resulting in it being “put out of action.” No further details have been provided regarding the specific method of attack or its effective yield, although the explosion visible in the footage appears to be substantial.

This marks the first confirmation of an attack against a Russian subsurface unit conducted with what the SBU itself defined as an underwater version of the renowned SEA BABY USV. Throughout the war, the deployment of USVs by Ukraine has enabled strikes on 11 Russian naval units and the downing of at least 2 Su-30 fighters and 1 Mi-8 helicopter, forcing nearly the entire Russian Black Sea Fleet to relocate from its base in Sevastopol, Crimea, to Novorossiysk - where, indeed, the submarine was moored.

This operation reaffirms the effectiveness of Ukrainian naval guerrilla actions, as well as their ability to combine Western intelligence and training support - it is no secret that operators of the Special Operations Center SOUTH receive constant assistance and mentoring, particularly from the British SBS - with local “creative” elements and audacity.

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