Details of the SBU Operation Targeting the Russian Submarine
The Security Service of Ukraine has released new details about a successful operation that culminated in the destruction of a Russian submarine in Novorossiysk. According to sources, prior to this, the only reconnaissance aircraft IL-38N in the Black Sea capable of detecting underwater drones was disabled.
A crucial step preceding this was the attack on the upgraded IL-38N Sea Dragon reconnaissance aircraft at the Yeysk airbase. This aircraft, valued at approximately $24 million, was the sole vessel of its kind in the area equipped with radars for detecting submarines.
This aircraft actively countered Ukrainian drones. Employees of the 13th Main Directorate of the Military Counterintelligence Department of the SBU employed a drone with an explosive payload to target it.
“The explosion occurred directly above the compartment containing the main equipment, severely damaging the engine. Two thousand shrapnel elements were directed downward, crippling critical systems of the aircraft,” the SBU reported.
The Security Service successfully struck the submarine “Varshavyanka” in Novorossiysk due to the earlier destruction of the IL-38N reconnaissance aircraft. The disabling of this aircraft enabled the Ukrainian drone Sub Sea Baby to stealthily reach the port and successfully hit its target.
Released footage of the attack on the airbase refutes claims by the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the high level of security of strategic facilities.