The Black Sea Attacks: A Deep Dive into the Recent Naval Confrontations
The most significant event in recent days was the loss of a Russian Kilo-class submarine, marking the first time since World War II that Russia has lost a submarine in combat. This is not just a symbolic loss; the submarine represented a vital asset in Russia’s naval arsenal. The Kilo-class submarines, especially the improved versions like the one lost, are equipped with potent offensive armaments. They can launch land-attack caliber missiles, which have been used by Russia to target Ukrainian positions. Additionally, these submarines can deploy anti-ship missiles with supersonic final stages, although they haven’t been used in the current conflict. Another significant capability is their ability to deploy mines, a form of warfare that can be discreet and highly effective against merchant ships.
Alongside the submarine, a Ropucha-class landing ship named Minsk was also heavily damaged. These landing ships, originally designed for amphibious operations, have been repurposed for general logistics, making them crucial to Russia’s war efforts in the region. The importance of these vessels was underscored by previous Ukrainian efforts to target them, with one such ship being severely damaged by an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in August.
The attacks on these vessels took place in a dry dock in Sevastopol, Crimea. The dock itself, a significant asset for the Russian Navy in the Black Sea, was not damaged. However, with two wrecked vessels inside, the dock’s operations will undoubtedly be hampered for some time.
Beyond the missile attacks, there’s another dimension to the recent confrontations: the use of USVs. These uncrewed vessels have been operating extensively in the Black Sea, and their role in the conflict is often underreported or misunderstood. The Ukrainian Navy has been deploying these vessels in significant numbers, targeting Russian assets. Recent reports from the Russian Ministry of Defense indicate that their patrol ships and aviation assets have engaged and neutralized several of these USVs. However, the sheer number of USVs reported suggests a sustained and significant operation by Ukraine.
The targets of these USVs were not limited to stationary assets. Two ships, the Yaz and the Ursa Major, were sailing together, escorted by the Russian Navy, when they were targeted. The Yaz, a tanker, is crucial for supplying fuel to the Russian war effort, making it a legitimate military target. The Ursa Major, previously known as Sparta III, is an arms runner, supplying weapons to support Russia’s operations in Crimea.
