The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) successfully disabled the Russian reconnaissance aircraft Il-38N, which facilitated the operation to destroy a submarine in Novorossiysk. This step was crucial for the attack on the enemy submarine.
According to the Security Service of Ukraine, the elimination of the Russian anti-submarine aircraft was one of the main parts of the operation, which enabled the neutralization of the submarine. The Il-38N aircraft was targeted at the Yeysk airbase using a modern drone with an explosive component containing 2000 damaging elements.
It is noted that the explosion occurred directly above the compartment with the aircraft’s main equipment and radars, including the engine. This aircraft served in maritime reconnaissance and combat against naval drones, maintaining control over waters and delivering torpedo strikes. Its value is estimated at approximately $24 million.
The SBU emphasized that this aircraft was the only one in the Black Sea capable of detecting the underwater drone “Sub Sea Baby,” which ensured the success of the attack on the “Varshavyanka” class submarine. As part of the operation on December 14, Ukrainian underwater drones struck the enemy submarine in Novorossiysk for the first time, costing between $400 and $500 million.
The Naval Forces reported that out of the Russian submarines carrying “Kalibr” cruise missiles in the Black Sea, only two remain, whereas there were previously six.
