Ukraine has struck a Russian Black Sea Fleet frigate in Novorossiysk port, the country’s security forces reported on Wednesday.
The strike on frigate Admiral Essen was launched on the night leading to March 2 by Ukraine’s Security Forces in cooperation with Ukraine’s defence units. The damaged warship was carrying Kalibr cruise missile, which Russia is currently unable to launch due to the incident with Admiral Essen. Ukraine’s Security Service said the strike hit the warship’s central superstructure.
Grenade launchers designed to deploy thermal decoys and radio-signal scatterers detonated aboard the vessel. The TK-25 electronic warfare system, which identifies radar emissions and produces jamming signals, was also damaged, as were the ZR-90 Orekh target-illumination radars that support the ship’s anti-aircraft missile guidance system.
Additionally, the Fregat-M2M surveillance radar, responsible for long-range detection of both air and surface targets, was likely damaged as well.
The frigate Admiral Essen, which usually carries eight Kalibr cruise missiles used by Russia to strike targets in Ukraine, was hit amidships. The impact damaged the TK-25 electronic warfare system, the ZR-90 target-illumination radars, and grenade launchers designed to deploy thermal decoys and radio-signal scatterers.
According to the source, the strike also likely damaged the Fregat-M2M surveillance radar, which is responsible for long-range detection of both air and surface targets.
“The ship sustained critical damage, significantly reducing its ability to launch Kalibr cruise missiles. At the moment, the frigate cannot strike targets in Ukraine,” the source told the Kyiv Independent.
During the operation, SBU units managed to breach the multilayered Russian air defense system protecting Novorossiysk Bay and its port. The attack ignited a fire on the deck that burned for approximately 18 hours, the source added.
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