In a groundbreaking operation, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has used “Sea Baby” drones to plant over 15 underwater mines near Russian-occupied Crimea, resulting in significant damage to four Russian warships. This innovative naval tactic, employed in 2023, is a new phase in Ukraine’s warfare against Russian naval forces.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the Sea Baby drones deployed by the SBU laid plastic bottom mines, each weighing 180 kg, in strategic routes used exclusively by Russian warships. These mines are nearly undetectable due to their placement in shallow, silty waters. The operation, which followed a month and a half of meticulous intelligence gathering, damaged the corvette Samum, the patrol boat Pavel Derzhavin, a large tugboat, and the modern minesweeper Vladimir Kozitsky.
The first notable strike occurred on September 14, when the corvette Samum hit a mine, sustaining significant damage to its stern. Despite increased Russian defenses, including larger barriers at the entrance to Sevastopol Bay, the Sea Baby drones continued their mission, covering over 3,000 nautical miles and planting additional mines along key naval routes.
On October 11, the patrol boat Pavel Derzhavin was damaged while entering Sevastopol Bay. Just two days later, as it was being redirected for repairs, it struck another mine, and a large tugboat sent to assist it also hit a mine.
A few days later, the modern minesweeper Vladimir Kozitsky, one of only two such vessels in Russian service, was also damaged by a mine. The SBU’s innovative use of Sea Baby drones have significantly impacted Russian naval operations.
Brigadier General Ivan “Hunter” Lukashevych, involved in the operation, explained that the Sea Baby drones, capable of carrying 850 kg of explosives and reaching speeds of 90 km/h, have expanded their capabilities. Recent upgrades include the installation of Grad multiple rocket launchers, allowing these drones to target land-based forces as well.
This remote mining operation is unprecedented, marking the first successful example of using unmanned naval drones for such purposes.
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