Ukraine’s new naval drones conducted precision strikes on Russian-occupied gas platforms off the coast of Crimea in the Black Sea, destroying surveillance systems used by Russian forces, the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Oleksiy Neizhpapa, announced on Thursday morning.
“Naval drones from the Navy unit delivered targeted strikes on Russian assets. Enemy surveillance systems deployed on seized gas platforms near the temporarily occupied Crimea have been eliminated,” Neizhpapa stated.
The platforms, originally used for gas and oil extraction, were seized by Russia in 2015 and have since been repurposed for military activities, including serving as helicopter pads and hosting radar systems. The attack represents a tactical escalation as Ukraine leverages unmanned naval and aerial systems in its operations.
Notably, this operation marked the debut of naval vessels equipped with FPV drones, which served as independent strike platforms. This innovation expands the tactical scope of Ukraine’s unmanned naval systems.
Ukraine’s naval drone fleet has attacked Russian gas platforms near Crimea.
Surveillance systems of the Russian Federation were destroyed, — Ukrainian Naval Forces pic.twitter.com/R31ATj9HuS
— KyivPost (@KyivPost) December 7, 2024
The operation was overseen by reconnaissance and strike-capable Bayraktar TB2 drones, manufactured in Turkey. While Bayraktars have played pivotal roles in prior operations, they were employed here primarily for reconnaissance, ensuring precise execution of the naval strikes.