Historic Naval Operation Marks Milestone in Modern Warfare
Novorossiysk, Russia December 16, 2025
In a groundbreaking military operation, Ukraine has struck a Russian submarine using unmanned underwater drones, marking what Kyiv’s military officals call the first underwater drone attack on a submarine in history. The strike took place on December 15,2025, at the Russian naval base in Novorossiysk on the Black Sea, a strategic hub for Moscow’s naval operations.
The Strike: How It Happened
Ukraine employed domestically developed underwater drones, nicknamed “Sub Sea Baby”, which were designed to target submarines or docked. The operation reportedly involved: Lunching the drones into the Black Sea near the Novorossiysk naval base. Guiding the drones toward a Kilo-class Russian submarine docked at the base.Detonating explosives underwater, producing a powerful blast near the submarine, which Ukrainian authorities claim critically damaged and disabled the vessel. Video released by Ukraine shows an underwater explosion close to the docked submarine, emphasizing the precision and effectiveness of the drone based strike.
Target: Russian Kilo-Class Submarine
The submarine reportedly struck was a Project 636.3 Varshavyanka class diesel electric submarine, known in NATO terminology as a Kilo-class vessel. These submarines are capable of carrying Kalibr cruise missiles, frequently used in strikes against Ukrainian territory. The estimated cost of the submarine is around USD 400 million, with replacement likely to be complicated due to international sanctions. Ukrainian military officials called the operation a significant tactical achievement, highlighting how unmanned systems are reshaping modern naval warfare.
Russia’s Response
Russian authorities denied that the submarine was damaged, asserting that all vessels at Novorossiysk remain operational, Independent verification of the submarine’s condition is currently unavailable. Moscow has provided limited official comment on the strike, leaving much of the reporting based on Ukrainian claims.
Strategic and Tactical Significance
Analysts note the strike demonstrates several critical points:
Ukraine’s growing capabilities to target high value Russian naval assets without using traditional warships. The operation underscores the increasing role of unmanned systems and asymmetric warfare in modern conflicts. If verified, this attack marks a historic milestone in naval combat, potentially changing how nations approch submarine security and harbor defenses. The attack comes amid ongoing international efforts to negotiate peace in the Russia Ukraine war, with high level talks occurring in Berlin at the same time. Ukrainian officials described the skrike as a “turning point” in maritime operations, signaling their ability to challenge Russian naval dominance in the Black Sea.
