Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR) announced a major strike against a Russian Black Sea Fleet ship near Novorossiysk on September 10, 2025. The attack was carried out by Ukrainian special forces using a drone. The targeted vessel was a Project MPSV07 multipurpose support ship, one of only four of its kind in the Russian Navy. Commissioned in 2015, this ship is estimated to be worth $60 million.
According to Ukrainian officials, the drone hit the ship’s bridge directly, destroying its navigation and communication systems. In addition, the attack knocked out the vessel’s electronic surveillance equipment, which is essential for monitoring and reconnaissance operations. This damage forced the ship out of active service, and experts say it will need expensive repairs before it can return to operations.
At the time of the strike, the Russian vessel was performing electronic reconnaissance and patrolling the approaches to Novorossiysk Bay. Moscow has moved much of its Black Sea Fleet to this area after repeated Ukrainian strikes on Russian ships operating from occupied Crimea. This redeployment highlights the growing pressure on Russia’s naval operations in the region.
Impact on Russian Naval Capabilities
Project MPSV07 ships are designed for a wide range of missions, including underwater operations, reconnaissance, and electronic intelligence gathering. They are equipped with advanced sonar systems, remotely operated underwater vehicles, diving complexes, and sophisticated communication tools. Losing one of these vessels significantly reduces Russia’s ability to carry out electronic surveillance and underwater operations in the Black Sea.
The HUR statement emphasized that the drone strike is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to weaken Russia’s naval presence. Over the past year, Ukraine has increasingly relied on its domestically produced sea and aerial drones. These drones have successfully targeted Russian warships, military bases, and infrastructure, demonstrating a new level of precision in modern warfare.
The attack near Novorossiysk comes just days after Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate released footage of a separate operation carried out by the “Prymary” special group in occupied Crimea. On September 1, Ukrainian drones struck a Russian airbase in Hvardiiske near Simferopol. During this raid, at least two Mi-8 combat helicopters were destroyed, causing losses estimated between $20 million and $30 million.
In addition, Ukrainian forces hit a Russian military tugboat, believed to be the BUK-2190, stationed in Sevastopol Bay. This vessel was reportedly part of Russia’s elite PDSS underwater sabotage unit. The unit includes highly trained diver-reconnaissance specialists. They are equipped with advanced gear. HUR said the destruction of the tugboat greatly limits the combat abilities of this elite unit. The strike also shows the growing impact of Ukraine drone operations on specialized Russian forces.
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Black Sea Remains a Key Battleground
The Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed illegally in 2014, continues to serve as a critical base for Moscow’s military activities. From Crimea, Russia has launched aviation operations and missile strikes deep into Ukraine. Ukraine’s use of drones against Russian ships and bases shows a shift in tactics, allowing for precision strikes without risking large numbers of troops.
These drone attacks also underscore the importance of Novorossiysk as a strategic port for Russia. By targeting high-value vessels in this area, Ukraine is challenging Russia’s ability to maintain control over key maritime routes in the Black Sea. The success of these operations demonstrates the growing role of unmanned systems in modern naval warfare.
In the past year, Ukraine has claimed multiple successful strikes on Russian naval targets. Each attack, whether on warships, tugboats, or airbases, highlights the evolving nature of the conflict in the Black Sea. The region has become a major arena for drone warfare, with both sides adapting their strategies to counter the new threats.
The September 10 strike on the Project MPSV07 vessel marks another significant blow to Russia’s naval operations. By disabling one of its most advanced multipurpose ships, Ukraine has showcased its increasing capabilities in drone-based warfare and its ability to strike high-value targets with precision.
