Satellite images show impact of Ukrainian drone strike on Russian submarine
Satellite images of the site where a Ukrainian underwater drone targeted a Russian submarine indicate that the explosion occurred several dozen meters away from the intended target, according to Radio “Svoboda.”
Photos taken on December 16 show damage to the pier near where the submarine was docked. However, the submarine itself, which Ukraine had previously claimed to have struck, remains in place.
Assessing the extent of potential damage to the submarine from satellite imagery alone is difficult. Nevertheless, the images suggest that there was no direct hit on the submarine’s hull.
Russian authorities claim the attack caused no damage to either the submarine or its crew.
The submarine in question is a Project 636.3 “Varshavyanka,” a diesel-electric multipurpose submarine designed for low noise and stealth operations. The 636.3 version features an upgraded hydroacoustic hull.
Its armament includes six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching both torpedoes and cruise missiles. Specifically, these submarines can carry and deploy Kalibr missiles—typically up to four—which are launched through the torpedo tubes.
It is recalled that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out a successful special operation in the port of Novorossiysk, targeting the Russian submarine.
