Satellite images confirm a Ukrainian drone hit a pier in Novorossiysk, supporting Russian claims that a Kilo-class submarine was unharmed.
Satellite images reveal that during the attack on Russian submarine bases in Novorossiysk, a Ukrainian drone struck the corner of a pier rather than a Kilo-class attack submarine located just a few meters away. These images lend credence to Russian assertions that the submarine sustained no damage.
On Tuesday, journalist Mark Krutov and maritime analyst Tom Bike published before-and-after satellite photos of the submarine piers in Novorossiysk's inner harbor. The images indicate that while the pier appeared intact in the days leading up to the attack, post-attack visuals clearly show damage to its corner. This damage aligns with the gray-black debris observed after the explosion, suggesting a mixture of water and sediment.
Although Kilo-class submarines are equipped with advanced maritime capabilities, the Institute for the Study of War notes that their primary role in the Ukraine conflict is to function as fixed missile launch platforms for long-range strikes against Ukrainian territory, rather than engaging in maritime operations. These submarines are primarily used to launch Kalibr cruise missile salvos targeting Odessa and its surrounding areas.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) released attack images featuring two Kilo-class submarines. Observers noted that these images seem to have been captured from a fixed camera within the port, indicating Ukraine's willingness to compromise the secrecy of such methods for intelligence gathering and propaganda purposes.
In response to the attack, Russia released a video showing the submarine remaining afloat at the pier, claiming that no damage occurred during the Ukrainian assault. However, maritime analyst HI Sutton pointed out that the submarine had not moved, unlike other vessels in the vicinity. Sutton observed that the submarine appeared to be secured to the pier with a thick mooring chain through large brackets attached to its side, typically used to secure heavy fenders.
Sutton noted that such brackets are not standard for a Kilo-class attack submarine at a pier and that chains are rarely used to tie up vessels. He stated, 'This situation may indicate a precaution taken to correct a potential list towards the pier and could point to possible damage.'
