Recent satellite images have revealed the aftermath of a daring Ukrainian underwater drone strike on a Russian Navy submarine at Novorossiysk, a critical naval port on the Black Sea.
A Bold Underwater Strike Captured From Space
The high-resolution images show clear damage to part of the concrete pier where the incident occurred, offering a rare glimpse into a bold operation conducted deep inside a heavily defended Russian harbor. While the attacked submarine remains moored in place, satellite images show that nearby submarines have repositioned since the blast, suggesting heightened alert and defensive maneuvers.
According to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), the operation involved an unmanned underwater drone named Sub Sea Baby, which detonated mere meters from the stern — the rear section — of the Russian Kilo-class submarine. Satellite images show debris and broken concrete around the pier, although the vessel itself appears largely undamaged above the waterline. Analysts caution, however, that damage below the surface may not be visible in the images, leaving questions about the submarine’s true condition.
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The incident at Novorossiysk is notable not just for the audacity of the strike but also for the challenges involved in navigating a UUV inside a heavily defended port. Experts point out that port defenses are typically designed to detect and prevent attacks by surface drones or human divers. An underwater autonomous system approaching stealthily under the waterline represents a significant evolution in naval tactics.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Submarine At Novorossiysk Port
Ukraine has described the strike as a major tactical operation. The Sub Sea Baby drone reportedly moved quietly through the port and detonated meters from the submarine’s propeller area. Ukrainian officials claim the operation demonstrates their growing sophistication in maritime warfare, showing that they can now reach high-value targets in close proximity to Russian naval infrastructure.
The submarine targeted in the attack is a Project 636.3 “Varshavyanka” class diesel-electric vessel, commonly referred to as a Kilo-class submarine. These submarines are capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles and are considered a key asset in Russia’s Black Sea fleet. Ukrainian authorities have suggested that the submarine may have sustained critical damage, though Russian officials strongly deny this, releasing video footage that obscures the stern and censors surrounding areas. Even so, the damage to the pier at Novorossiysk is clearly visible, indicating that the explosion was powerful and close to the vessel.
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Satellite images also show other submarines and ships in the harbor, some of which have moved since the attack. Analysts speculate that this movement reflects a Russian reaction to the underwater explosion, with vessels repositioned to maintain safety or readiness. The strike highlights vulnerabilities in what people had assumed was a highly secure port, even though the main submarine shows no clear visible damage.
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The incident emphasizes the strategic potential of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) in modern naval warfare. Ukraine has previously deployed other autonomous systems, including Marichka and Toloka, designed for reconnaissance or kamikaze-style attacks on enemy vessels. Sub Sea Baby represents a new generation of UUVs capable of operating undetected in port waters, striking at high-value targets while minimizing risk to personnel.
Satellite imagery from before and after the strike shows two key observations: first, the pier at Novorossiysk suffered visible structural damage, with large sections of concrete displaced by the blast. Second, the submarine remains moored in roughly the same position, with no visible signs of firefighting operations, emergency crews, or oil spill containment, which are typically present after a major naval accident.
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The strike at Novorossiysk underscores the evolving threat posed by underwater drones. Analysts note that while the port’s defenses are effective against surface-level threats, autonomous underwater vehicles can bypass sensors and approach silently, presenting new challenges for naval security.
Both Ukraine and Russia continue to present conflicting accounts of the incident. Ukrainian authorities emphasize the success of the strike, while Russian officials maintain that none of their submarines or infrastructure were harmed. Satellite imagery, however, offers an independent view of the aftermath, highlighting the pier damage and providing rare evidence of the operation’s execution at Novorossiysk. Even if the full extent of the submarine’s damage remains unknown, the images confirm that the Ukrainian UUV reached its target area, marking a notable moment in modern naval operations.