The Ukrainian Navy has released footage showcasing what they assert to be a successful attack on Russian-controlled gas platforms situated off the coast of Crimea. The operation involved the deployment of unmanned surface vehicles, commonly referred to as sea drones, which targeted the platforms, resulting in substantial explosions and at least one platform engulfed in flames. This incident underscores the increasing reliance on unmanned technologies in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, a trend that has been prominent since the outset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The backdrop of this incident is the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Crimea, a peninsula that was annexed by Russia in 2014 following the ousting of pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. This annexation, while vehemently opposed by Ukraine and widely condemned by the international community, remains a point of contention and a key driver of the ongoing hostilities. The Ukrainian Navy’s claim of targeting these platforms is therefore not merely a military tactic, but also a symbolic act of defiance against Russia’s continued control over the peninsula. The statement released by the Ukrainian Navy emphasizes this point, declaring that the “occupiers will not remain on our territory.”
The released footage provides a glimpse into the operation. Several Ukrainian sea drones are seen navigating towards the gas platforms, followed by powerful explosions. One particularly noteworthy aspect of the footage is the apparent deployment of a smaller unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launched from one of the sea drones. This UAV is observed approaching an oil platform, focusing on two figures seemingly fleeing the scene before the feed cuts out, presumably due to the UAV’s detonation. This innovative tactic demonstrates the evolving nature of drone warfare and the Ukrainian military’s adaptability in employing these technologies.
The sea drones used in this operation bear a strong resemblance to Ukraine’s “Sea Baby” drones, which are reported to possess significant destructive capabilities. According to Defense Express, a Ukrainian military website, these drones can carry a payload of nearly one ton of explosives and have an operational range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. These specifications, if accurate, make the Sea Baby a formidable weapon, capable of inflicting substantial damage to enemy targets at a considerable distance. The Ukrainian Security Service has also claimed the development of an upgraded version, the “Sea Baby 2024,” boasting enhanced lethality.
This attack is not an isolated incident, but rather the latest in a series of maritime drone operations conducted by Ukraine against Russian assets in the Black Sea. Throughout 2023 and into 2024, Ukrainian sea drones reportedly targeted numerous Russian ships and even the strategically important Kerch Strait bridge, which connects Crimea to Russia. These attacks have not only inflicted significant military damage but also served to disrupt Russian operations and project Ukrainian power within the contested maritime domain. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine estimated the total damage to the Russian Black Sea Fleet from these drone attacks to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, highlighting their economic impact.
The Black Sea has become a key theater of operations in the ongoing conflict, witnessing a dramatic escalation in drone warfare. Both sides have increasingly utilized unmanned platforms in the air and at sea, reflecting a broader trend in modern warfare towards remotely operated systems. Russia has also reported intercepting Ukrainian drones, both aerial and maritime, indicating an ongoing effort to counter this threat. The incident near the Crimean peninsula illustrates the evolving nature of the conflict and the increasing reliance on unmanned technology to project power and inflict damage. This latest attack by Ukrainian sea drones underscores the ongoing struggle for control of the Black Sea and the crucial role that unmanned technologies are playing in shaping the course of the war. The strategic implications of these attacks extend beyond immediate military objectives, influencing the overall balance of power and potentially impacting future negotiations.
