Ukrainian strike sinks Russian sub, destroys S‑400 system in Crimea

Ukrainian forces managed to hit the Russian submarine "Rostov-on-Don" in the military port of Sevastopol. "As a result of the hit, the submarine sank on the spot." The S-400 Triumph missile complex in occupied Crimea was also destroyed, the General Staff of Ukraine reported.

In the port of Sevastopol, the Russian submarine B-237 "Rostov-on-Don" from the Black Sea Fleet was destroyed. The Ukrainian General Staff reported, "After the hit, the submarine sank on the spot." Despite Russia's earlier announcements of plans to repair this unit, this attack was a precisely planned operation to inflict maximum losses on the enemy.

Earlier this fall, Ukrainian Defence Forces successfully attacked the "Rostov-on-Don" with Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The submarine sustained severe damage to the bow section and the central part of the hull.

"Rostov-on-Don" (B-237) is a Russian Kilo-class submarine, known in Russia as Project 636.3. It is one of the diesel-electric powered submarines primarily used for coastal operations. These submarines are valued for their quiet operation, making them difficult for opponents to detect.

Main features of Kilo-class submarines:

        
• Displacement: approximately 2,700 metric tonnes on the surface, approximately 3,600 metric tonnes submerged
• Length: approximately 74 metres
• Speed: up to 37 kilometres per hour submerged
• Range: up to 13,800 kilometres at 13 kilometres per hour on the surface
• Armament: torpedoes, mines, and Kalibr anti-ship missiles (3M54)

These submarines are designed for various tasks, including combating surface ships and submarines, protecting sea routes, and conducting reconnaissance missions. "Rostov-on-Don" was included in the Russian Navy and is one of the many modern submarines that Russia has introduced into service in recent years.

According to Defence Express, besides the submarine, one of the main targets of the attack was the advanced S-400 "Triumph" air defence system. As a result of the strike, four launchers of this system were severely damaged. As reported by the Ukrainian General Staff, a fire was previously recorded at one of the S-400 "Triumph" positions near Sevastopol, confirmed by data from NASA FIRMS.