This plane could have prevented the destruction of the submarine
23.12.2025
The Security Service of Ukraine hit a Russian Il-38N naval reconnaissance aircraft on the eve of the submarine explosion in the port of Novorossiysk. The operation was part of the preparatory actions that ensured the successful destruction of the enemy submarine. The event took place during a special operation of the SBU on the territory of the Russian Federation.
The Security Service of Ukraine reported new details of this operation through its own official channels. The agency noted that disabling the aircraft was a necessary condition for further actions.
The message states: “This ship actively opposed the work of SBU naval drones.”
According to the SBU, while preparing to attack the submarine, officers of the 13th Main Directorate of the Military Counterintelligence Department hit a modernized Il-38N Sea Dragon reconnaissance aircraft. The aircraft was based at the Yeisk air base and was performing tasks in the interests of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
This aircraft is designed for maritime reconnaissance, submarine search, and water area control. It can also lay minefields and launch torpedo strikes. According to Ukrainian intelligence, this aircraft was able to detect the underwater drone as it moved toward its target.
Technical details of the attack
To destroy the Il-38N, the SBU used a modern drone with a ground-based explosive warhead. The ammunition was equipped with two thousand downward-directed explosives. The explosion occurred directly above the main equipment and radar compartment, and the aircraft’s engine was also damaged.
The SBU clarified that the Russian side had only one aircraft of this class in the Black Sea . Its cost is estimated at 24 million US dollars. The disabling of the aircraft, according to the security service, ensured the successful implementation of the main part of the operation – the undermining of the Varshavyanka-class submarine .
What preceded
On December 15, it became known that the SBU successfully hit the Russian class 636.3 submarine “Varshavyanka” in the port of Novorossiysk. The operation was made possible thanks to the use of Sub Sea Baby underwater drones, which were used for the first time in history to attack a submarine. As a result of the explosion, the submarine suffered critical damage and was effectively disabled.
According to the SBU, the submarine was carrying four Kalibr cruise missile launchers, which Russia uses to strike the territory of Ukraine, and its cost is estimated at approximately $400 million.
As OBOZ.UA reported, the Defense Forces hit a Russian warship patrolling the Caspian Sea on the night of December 19. Several Ukrainian drones damaged the vessel.
We will also recall that the Security Service of Ukraine successfully shot down two Russian Su-27 fighter jets at the Belbek military airfield in temporarily occupied Crimea. One of the aircraft was on the taxiway with full ammunition and was ready for a combat flight – it was destroyed.
As we see, the Ukrainians are actively applying important components in their attacks, comprising thorough intelligence work, careful planing, and determined execution.
Well done!