Submarine sabotage: SSU reveals new details of special operation in Novorossiysk

According to Ukrinform, the SSU reported this and released a video footage of the combat operation.

As noted by the SSU, one of the key stages of the special operation was disabling a Russian anti-submarine aircraft that could have interfered with the strike on the enemy submarine.

While preparing the attack on the submarine, officers of the 13th Main Directorate of the SSU’s Military Counterintelligence Department struck a modernized Il‑38N (Sea Dragon) reconnaissance aircraft at the Yeysk air base.

This aircraft is designed for maritime reconnaissance, submarine detection, monitoring sea areas, laying minefields, and carrying out torpedo strikes. The damaged aircraft had been actively countering the operation of SSU maritime drones. The estimated cost of the aircraft is $24 million.

In the Black Sea, Russia had only one aircraft of this class capable of detecting the Sub Sea Baby underwater drone during its approach to the target. Disabling this anti-submarine aircraft ensured the successful execution of the main phase of the special operation – the detonation of a Varshavyanka-class submarine.

To strike the Il‑38N, the SSU used a modern drone equipped with an airburst warhead containing 2,000 downward-directed fragmentation elements.

The explosion occurred directly above the compartment housing the main equipment and radar systems and also damaged the engine.

The released footage of the successful attack on the Russian aircraft clearly demonstrates the real level of protection of enemy strategic facilities, which differs significantly from the internal reports and public statements of the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The SSU stressed that it will continue to strike legitimate military targets of the enemy and destroy them where they least expect it.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, in the port of Novorossiysk, SSU Sub Sea Baby underwater drones blew up a Russian Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class submarine (NATO classification: Kilo) for the first time in history. As a result of the explosion, the submarine sustained critical damage and was effectively put out of action.