Navy commander reveals details of first use of naval drones
The use of kamikaze marine drones by the Ukrainian Navy on 29 October 2022 was a turning point in the history of war at sea.
Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa described the day as historic due to a successful joint operation between the Ukrainian Navy and the SBU, which resulted in damage to key ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, including the flagship Admiral Makarov, the naval minesweeper Ivan Golubets and the patrol ship Ladny.
Key results of the operation:
- Strike against ships in Sevastopol Bay. A unique operation allowed Ukrainian drones to penetrate the heart of the main BSF base in Sevastopol, causing significant damage.
- Liberation of the north-western part of the Black Sea. Complex actions, including coastal missile and air strikes, forced Russian forces to retreat from the region.
- Weakening of the Russian Federation's infrastructure. Strikes on facilities, including the Crimean Bridge, have further destabilised the logistics of Russian forces.
The Ukrainian Navy has been actively developing a naval uncrewed systems division. This area has been recognised as strategically important in the context of modern warfare at sea, where autonomous systems demonstrate high effectiveness.
Strategy in the Black Sea
- The Crimean Bridge remains a priority for the Ukrainian military as a key supply artery for Russian forces.
- All Russian Federation ships are legitimate targets. According to Neizhpapa's statement, any Russian-flagged military vessels are seen as potential targets.
The use of maritime drones in operations of this scale emphasises a new era of naval warfare, where technology and innovation are becoming a decisive factor. Ukraine's successes in this area have already changed the balance of power in the Black Sea.