As a result of the Ukrainian drone strike on the port, Admiral Essen frigate sustained damage. This is not the first time the vessel has been targeted.
The report was published by the OSINT community CyberBoroshno.
Read more: Ukrainian Drone Operators Eliminate Tor-M2 System Covering russian Positions (Video)
According to OSINT analysts, the strike damaged the frigate's central superstructure, affecting several critical onboard systems.
They state that the impact triggered the detonation of PK-10 decoy launchers designed to deploy passive countermeasures. In addition to structural damage, the ship’s electronic systems were reportedly affected, including:
- the TK-25 electronic warfare system responsible for detecting emissions and deploying active jamming;
- the MR-90 Orekh fire-control radars used to guide surface-to-air missiles;
- the Fregat-M2M surveillance radar designed for long-range detection of aerial and surface targets.
russia has used Admiral Essen to launch missile strikes against Ukraine, as the frigate is capable of carrying Kalibr cruise missiles.
Ukrainian forces previously struck Admiral Essen on April 2, 2022, when it was based in Sevastopol. During that attack, Ukraine reportedly employed its Long Neptune missile for the first time.
In addition, hromadske, citing sources within the SSU, reported that the Valentin Pikul minesweeper and the Yeysk and Kasimov anti-submarine ships were also damaged.
According to available reports, three russian sailors were killed, and 14 others were wounded.
The strike also reportedly damaged a 30N6E2 engagement radar of the S-300PMU-2 Favorit air defense system, a Pantsir-S2 air defense missile and gun system, and six of seven oil loading berths at the Sheskharis oil terminal. A fire at the port reportedly lasted throughout the night.
The SSU stated that it systematically targets russian military infrastructure in locations Moscow considers secure, including ports, bases, and rear areas. The agency emphasized that there are no safe zones for russian military facilities while the war against Ukraine continues.
According to the SSU, the targeted terminal is one of the largest oil transshipment complexes in southern russia. It supplies fuel to russian forces engaged in combat operations against Ukraine.
Read more: Ukraine Strikes russian S-300 Radar, Sopka-2 and Kasta-2E2 Systems, Repair Unit and UAV Command Posts
