Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Ukraine Strikes Russian Submarine with Underwater Drones
Ukraine used special underwater drones called 'Sub Sea Baby' to attack a Russian submarine in the Black Sea.
This is the first time underwater drones have been used in this way.
The submarine was at a port in Novorossiysk and had missiles that Russia uses to attack Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine says the attack damaged the submarine, which is worth about $400 million.
Russia hasn't said anything about the attack yet.
This is a big deal because it shows that drones can now be used in new ways to fight at sea.
The attack happened during peace talks, and Ukraine wants to show it can still fight back against Russia.
The submarine is one of four that Russia has in Novorossiysk, and it will be hard for Russia to fix it without making it vulnerable to more attacks.
Ukraine's SBU conducted a first-of-its-kind underwater drone strike on a Russian Kilo-class submarine at Novorossiysk.
The attack used 'Sub Sea Baby' drones, an underwater variant of Ukraine's Sea Baby naval drones.
The targeted submarine was equipped with four Kalibr cruise missile launchers, used by Russia in strikes against Ukrainian cities.
The SBU estimated the cost of the Kilo-class submarine at around $400 million, with replacements complicated by international sanctions.
This attack marks a significant escalation in drone warfare, expanding Ukraine's uncrewed combat capabilities to target submarines.
- Who
- Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and Ukrainian Navy
- What
- First-ever underwater drone strike on a Russian submarine
- When
- Exact timing not disclosed (reported on December 16, 2025)
- Where
- Novorossiysk, Black Sea, Russia
- Why
- To damage and disable a Russian Kilo-class submarine equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles
- Attack Type
- Underwater drone strike
- Target
- Russian Kilo-class submarine
- Location
- Novorossiysk, Black Sea
- Drones Used
- Sub Sea Baby drones
- Submarine Cost
- $400 million
- Submarine Missiles
- Four Kalibr cruise missile launchers
- Submarine Class
- Varshavyanka-class
- Submarine Status
- Knocked out of operation
Sources
Ukraine Says It Just Launched First-Ever Underwater Drone Strike To Target Russian Submarine
In a first, Ukraine pulls off attack on Russian submarine
Ukraine hits Russian submarine in first underwater drone attack
Video: Ukraine Hits Russian Submarine In First Underwater Drone Attack
In a first Ukraine strikes Russian submarine in Novorossiysk with underwater drones
Ukraine says underwater drones hit submarine, but Moscow denies damage
In a first-of-its-kind attack, underwater drones hit Russian submarine: Ukraine
