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A video of the impact has been released by Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Agency.
A video of the impact has been released by Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Agency.
What is happening?
A Ukrainian military drone successfully struck a Russian vessel near Novorossiysk on September 10, causing serious damage, according to Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Agency (HUR).
The incident adds to a growing list of Ukrainian attacks targeting Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
A $60 million Russian naval vessel
The ship hit was a Project MPSV07-class multifunctional vessel, estimated to cost around $60 million.
While the exact name of the vessel hasn’t been confirmed, it was performing reconnaissance and patrol duties in Novorossiysk Bay at the time of the strike.
Drone footage shows direct hit
Black-and-white footage released by HUR shows a domestically produced aerial drone slamming into the ship’s bridge.
The video captures the moment of impact but does not provide follow-up visuals of the aftermath.
Electronic systems destroyed, ship disabled
HUR reported that the drone strike destroyed the ship’s electronic intelligence systems.
As a result, the vessel was disabled and has been sent for what the agency described as “costly repairs.”
Vessel’s identity still unconfirmed
Though HUR hasn’t officially identified the ship, it could be one of five operational Project MPSV07 vessels, according to open sources.
A sixth ship in this class is reportedly still under construction.
Spotlight on the Spasatel Demidov
One possible target is the Spasatel Demidov, a ship of the same class delivered in 2015 and registered in Novorossiysk.
However, marine tracking data last placed the vessel over 70 days ago near the Barents Sea, far from the Black Sea.
MPSV07: A high-tech workhorse
Project MPSV07 ships are equipped with advanced diving systems, remotely operated vehicles, side-scan sonar, and electronic surveillance tools.
With an output of 4 megawatts, these ships are designed for seabed inspection and deep-water missions.
Pattern of attacks in the Black Sea
This strike is the latest in a string of Ukrainian operations targeting Russian assets in the Black Sea.
Just a day earlier, HUR reported that it had hit two radar stations belonging to Russia’s air defense system in occupied Crimea.
Heavy damage to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet
Ukrainian forces claim to have disabled or destroyed around one-third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet since the full-scale war began.
High-profile losses include the Caesar Kunikov landing ship, the Sergei Kotov patrol vessel, and the Ivanovets missile corvette.
Kyiv’s claims remain unverified
While HUR has provided footage and detailed statements, the Kyiv Independent noted it could not independently verify the Ukrainian military’s claims.
Russia has not issued a public response regarding the incident.
