High-quality satellite imagery has made it possible to assess the results of a successful strike by the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces on a Project 11356R missile frigate, one of the targets in the Novorossiysk attack on the night of March 6.
In particular, a photo released by the Exilenova+ community shows damage to an oil terminal's berths as well as to the russian frigate.
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The photo shows damage to the frigate's bow, in front of the 100-mm A-190 gun mount, while its propulsion system appears to be running, suggesting that russian forces may be planning to move it to another location.
This section of the ship houses the anchor hoisting and lowering system, as well as various minor service compartments. Below the waterline, the MGK-335M Platina sonar system is located, used for detecting submarines.
The antenna of the sonar system is a rather fragile and sensitive device. Even minor damage demands careful repairs and precise adjustments. Without it, the ship can no longer effectively carry out anti-submarine warfare, compromising one of its primary functions.
It is also possible that the ship may have been struck by two drones. Specifically, in the video of the attack, a heat signature can be seen near the RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher. However, this is not visible in the satellite image.
In other words, the damage has not affected the frigate's ability to fire Kalibr cruise missiles, with their launch tubes located just ahead of the RBU-6000.
At the same time, the russian frigate's ability to function may be limited that it cannot operate at sea independently. This could prevent the frigate from launching cruise missiles, as russian ships typically sail a short distance from port to conduct Kalibr missile strikes.
Debate has also resurfaced over which ship was actually hit. In total, the russian Black Sea Fleet has only three such missile frigates: the Admiral Grigorovich, the Admiral Essen, and the Admiral Makarov.
The damaged ship was initially identified as the Admiral Grigorovich. However, as it has been outside the Black Sea since 2021, this was quickly revised to the Admiral Makarov, as reflected in official reports.
At the same time, the CyberBoroshno community concluded that the strike targeted the Admiral Essen, which is distinguished by its white radar radomes.
If this assessment is correct, then the Admiral Essen has suffered its second instance of damage in the past month. This follows reports from early March indicating damage to the surveillance radar and the fire-control radar of the Shtil air-defense missile system.
Read more: Ukrainian Forces Hit Oil Terminal in Novorossiysk, Damage Be-12 Aircraft in Crimea
