The Russian Black Sea Fleet has activated all missile launchers on non-engaged ships during the ongoing war in Ukraine. On October 16th, thunderous gunfire echoed from the fleet, starting at 8:30 a.m. local time. Sevastopol’s governor, Mikhail Razvozhaev, announced that the sudden artillery fire was part of an exercise. The city had been forewarned about potential noise disruption a day prior, but the Black Sea Fleet clarified that the North Quay reverberations were part of ongoing exercises.
Current reports from Ukrainian media connected the explosions on October 13 with supposed damages to the Russian ship, Pavel Derzhavin, in Sevastopol Bay, caused by secret underwater drones deployed by the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy. According to Ukrainian sources, the Russian vessels Buyan and Pavel Derzhavin were attacked by an experimental, Ukrainian-developed underwater drone called 'sea baby’, while the Alrosa diesel-electric submarines remained unharmed.
There is no confirmation from the Russian side regarding any damage to the ship Pavel Derzhavin, and the claim that it was hit only comes from Ukrainian authorities. The ship Pavel Derzhavin’s alleged strike in the Black Sea near the Sevastopol port in Crimea was confirmed by Pletenchuk on Radio Svoboda, the Russian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
The Russian ships of the Black Sea Fleet are equipped with various missiles, including the Kalibr cruise missile, Oniks supersonic anti-ship missile, Shtil-1 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and Kh-35 anti-ship missiles. These missiles are known for their low-altitude flight capabilities, making them difficult to detect and intercept, and are highly effective against a wide range of targets, including warships, patrol boats, and other naval assets.
CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE NEWS
Russia Readies All Missile Launchers on the Black Sea
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