According to the Ukrainian Military Intelligence reports the ship was “Ivanovets“, and sunk just after the USV Swarm attack. No information about the attack’s location has been disclosed.
According to H.I. Sutton, an OSINT analyst and regular Naval News contributor, the attack took place in or near Lake Donuzlav. Also referred to as Donuzlav Bay, it is home of a Russian military base. Known in the 160s as the Soviet Crimean Naval Base, it used to house Zubr-class air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC).
A Brief Analysis of the Video
Upon closer examination of the video footage, it becomes evident that the assaulted vessel bears a striking resemblance to the Tarantul-II class corvette. Intriguingly, distinct Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) approached the ship from various sectors.
The precision of the assault is notable, with USVs strategically targeting the ship’s engine exhaust outlet and engine room, while another specifically aimed at the propeller and propulsion system. This deliberate focus strongly suggests a primary objective of incapacitating the ship’s mobility.
It’s seen in the video that the USVs executed a brief zigzag maneuver in an attempt to evade the machine gun salvos. Simultaneously, the corvette retaliating against the incoming USVs accelerated to a significant speed, presumably aiming to outmaneuver the kamikaze-style USVs. Despite these defensive measures, they proved inadequate, culminating in a visible explosion and subsequent sinking of the ship.
Ukraine has emerged as a transformative force in naval warfare, reshaping conventional strategies through its successful implementation of kamikaze Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) attacks in the past year. The recent incident serves as a poignant example of the inherent dangers posed by swarm attacks. Ukraine’s adept utilization of swarm tactics, particularly through the deployment of kamikaze USVs, underscores the evolving dynamics of maritime conflicts and the potency of innovative approaches in modern naval engagements.
