Image Credit: X account @ZelenskyyUa
Ukraine Claims First Underwater Drone Strike on Submarine
Ukraine has claimed it carried out its first-ever underwater drone attack, striking a Russian submarine at a naval facility in the Black Sea. Ukrainian security officials said the operation targeted a Kilo-class submarine docked at the Russian port of Novorossiysk, marking a new phase in the use of unmanned systems in the ongoing conflict.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the strike was conducted using domestically developed underwater drones designed to target naval assets below the waterline. The attack is said to have caused damage to the submarine, which is capable of launching cruise missiles. Video footage released by Ukraine shows an explosion near a docked vessel, though the exact extent of damage could not be independently verified.
Russia Rejects Ukraine’s Claim
Russian officials have denied that any submarine or naval vessel was damaged in the incident. Moscow said all assets at the Novorossiysk base remain operational and dismissed Ukraine’s statement as misinformation.
There has been no independent confirmation of Ukraine’s assessment, and conflicting claims from both sides remain unresolved.
Shift in Naval Warfare Tactics
Ukraine has increasingly relied on drones and unmanned systems to counter Russia’s naval presence in the Black Sea, particularly after suffering early losses to its conventional navy. Surface drones and long-range strikes have previously been used against Russian ships and ports.
The reported underwater drone strike, if confirmed, would represent a significant escalation in maritime warfare technology and tactics.
Claims Remain Unverified
Military analysts caution that battlefield claims from both sides should be treated with caution until verified by independent sources. The incident highlights the growing role of unmanned systems and the challenges of confirming damage during active conflict.
