Ukraine’s strategic drone strike obliterated a sophisticated Russian radar system and military warehouses on a Black Sea gas platform, demonstrating their growing maritime combat capabilities while sending a clear message that Russian military assets have no safe harbor in Ukrainian waters.
Key Takeaways
- Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Neva radar system and military supply depots on gas production platforms in the Black Sea using coordinated surface and aerial drone strikes
- The operation showcased Ukraine’s innovative use of tandem drone warfare, pairing different drone types to maximize effectiveness in maritime operations
- This precision strike followed what Ukraine described as Russia’s largest drone assault since the beginning of the conflict
- The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) released video evidence of the successful operation, though the claims haven’t been independently verified
- Ukraine continues to demonstrate tactical superiority in Black Sea operations, previously downing a Russian Su-30 fighter jet with a naval drone equipped with missiles
Tactical Response to Russian Aggression
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) executed a precision strike against Russian military infrastructure in the Black Sea, targeting assets positioned on offshore gas platforms. The operation, carried out by the SBU’s 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, successfully destroyed a sophisticated Neva radar system and multiple supply warehouses that Russia had established on Ukrainian drilling rigs known as the Boyko towers. This tactical response came after what Ukrainian officials described as the largest Russian drone assault since the war began over three years ago.
The strike demonstrated Ukraine’s growing prowess in maritime drone warfare, with the SBU implementing a coordinated attack using both surface and aerial drones. The Neva-B radar system, capable of tracking up to 200 targets simultaneously with its 2.5-meter antenna and 45-kilometer detection range, represented a significant loss for Russian monitoring capabilities in the strategically crucial Black Sea region. Evidence suggests a marine drone of the FPV type was employed with objective control from a surface vehicle to execute the precision strike.
⚡️Security Service of Ukraine destroyed a Russian radar and warehouses on gas production platforms in the Black Sea with surface and air drones.
Defenders from the 13th Main Directorate of the Military Counterintelligence Department of the SSU conducted a combined special… pic.twitter.com/5s9psNjrQp
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 19, 2025
Ukrainian Maritime Advantage
The successful operation underscores Ukraine’s growing tactical advantage in Black Sea operations. The SBU released video footage via Telegram showing the drone approach and subsequent explosion on the Russian structure, providing visual confirmation of the strike’s effectiveness. This attack continues a pattern of successful Ukrainian naval drone operations, including a previous incident where a specially equipped Magura-7 naval drone armed with AIM-9M missiles shot down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet over the Black Sea.
“We once again reminded the enemy that no Russian trash has a place in the Black Sea,” stated the Security Service of Ukraine.
The SBU has claimed responsibility for attacks on 11 Russian warships and the Crimean Bridge using their innovative drone capabilities. Their operational effectiveness demonstrates how Ukraine has leveraged technology and tactical innovation to overcome Russia’s conventional military advantages. The Black Sea remains a critical conflict zone, particularly following Russia’s undermining of a US-backed maritime truce in March, making Ukrainian control of these waters essential to their defensive strategy.
Coordinated Drone Warfare
The operation demonstrated sophisticated coordination between different drone systems working in tandem. The first drone specifically targeted the Russian Neva radar positioned on the platform’s tower, while a second drone was directed at military supply depots on the facility. This synchronized approach maximized damage to critical Russian military infrastructure while showcasing Ukraine’s adaptive warfare capabilities in maritime environments.
“Within one special operation, SBU specialists used two types of drones that demonstrated the effectiveness of paired work,” reported The SBU.
Ukraine’s development of effective naval drone capabilities has established a significant tactical advantage in Black Sea operations. The ability to conduct reconnaissance and precision strikes on Russian maritime assets has allowed Ukrainian forces to challenge Russian naval superiority despite lacking conventional naval forces. This operational success highlights how asymmetric warfare tactics can effectively counter larger military powers when implemented with technological innovation and strategic precision.
