Surface drones threaten Russian Black Sea Fleet

UK Defence Intelligence believes that surface drones will likely keep limiting operations of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

Source: UK Ministry of Defence in its review on 27 March, reported by European Pravda

Details: UK Defence Intelligence notes that on 22 March 2023, at least three uncrewed surface vessels (USV) and one uncrewed aerial vehicle reportedly attempted to strike the Russian naval base of Sevastopol, in occupied Crimea.

Open-source reports suggest that one USV was stopped by defensive booms, while two were destroyed in the harbour. Russian officials said that no Russian vessels had been damaged.

UK Defence Intelligence points out that a previous USV attack on Sevastopol on 29 October 2022 reportedly damaged the minesweeper Ivan Golubets and the frigate Admiral Makarov.

Even though the new attacks likely failed to damage any military assets, the USV threat likely continues to constrain operations of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

Background: Previously, surface drones were part of a military aid package provided by Germany.

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