Ukraine Just Sank One of Russia’s Feared “Black Hole” Submarines |
The Russian Navy’s Project 636.3 Varshavyanka class (NATO reporting name “Improved Kilo II”) diesel-electric attack submarines have often been described as “Black Holes” due to their exceptional quietness that allows them to operate almost undetected in coastal waters. Regardless of whether the moniker is fitting, it was reported on Monday that one of the boats was disabled and possibly sunk by a Ukrainian “Sub Sea Baby” drone while in port in Novorossiysk.
The loss of such an asset would be a severe blow to the Russian military. In addition to the submarine’s cost of an estimated €340 million ($399 million), it was armed with four Kalibr cruise missile launchers, allowing it to strike Ukrainian territory. Russia may have one fewer platform to carry out such attacks with the Kalibr.
If confirmed, Monday’s attack would be notable as it marked the first successful use of the Sub Sea Baby underwater drone against a Russian submarine.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced, “The damaged boat was forced to remain in the port of Novorossiysk due to successful special operations by Sea Baby surface drones, which drove Russian ships and submarines out of Sevastopol Bay in the temporarily occupied........