News|Russia-Ukraine warUkraine claims strike on Russian submarine in Novorossiysk with sea dronesKyiv says Kilo-class submarine is knocked out of operation in the first such attack using Sea Baby drones.

Underwater Drone Strike on Russian Submarine

Ukraine has conducted an underwater drone strike on a Russian submarine located in the port of Novorossiysk, resulting in significant damage to the vessel, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

The SBU reported that the Kilo-class submarine was rendered inoperable due to the attack by Sea Baby drones. The submarine was equipped with four Kalibr cruise missile launchers, which had been used to attack Ukrainian territory. The operation marked a unique special operation executed by the Ukrainian security forces.

Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk noted that hitting a submarine represents a significant challenge and described the operation as a "turning point" in the naval conflict between Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized the difficulty Russia would face in repairing the damaged submarine, as repairs would need to be conducted above water, exposing the vessel to further attacks.

With this strike, Russia has lost one of its four submarines stationed in Novorossiysk, three of which are Kalibr carriers, according to Pletenchuk.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.