The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced a successful drone strike that destroyed a Russian radar system and warehouse facilities on gas production platforms in the Black Sea. The operation, carried out on May 19, targeted military equipment that Russia had placed on offshore drilling rigs within Ukrainian territory.
According to the SBU, the mission was led by the 13th Main Directorate of its Military Counter-Intelligence Department. It involved a coordinated attack using both aerial and naval drones.
Precision strikes on key Russian assets
An aerial drone reportedly hit the platform first, followed by a naval drone delivering a second strike. The operation destroyed a Russian “Neva” radar system used to monitor air and sea activity, along with supply storage and living quarters located on the platform.
“In a single special operation, our specialists used two types of drones that proved highly effective when working in tandem,” the SBU said in a statement.
Part of broader Black Sea campaign
The attack is part of Ukraine’s ongoing strategy to reduce Russia’s military presence in the Black Sea. The SBU has previously conducted drone strikes on the Crimean Bridge and 11 Russian warships.
While these reports have not been independently verified, Ukraine’s growing use of drones in naval operations has drawn attention from international observers.
The SBU typically uses Sea Baby drones for Black Sea missions, while Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) operates the Magura series of naval drones.
A track record of drone success
In recent months, Ukraine has used drone technology to strike significant Russian targets. In early May, Ukraine shot down two Russian Su-30 fighter jets using air-to-air missiles launched from Magura-7 naval drones. In December 2024, two Russian Mi-8 helicopters were also downed.
Additionally, Ukraine’s Magura drones were credited with sinking the Russian patrol ship Sergey Kotov on March 5, 2024, and the landing ship Caesar Kunikov on February 14, 2024.
By 2024, Ukraine had reportedly destroyed or disabled around one-third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, despite Russia’s overwhelming naval superiority.
