Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine has not only held its position on land but has also achieved surprisingly great success in naval combat.
This unexpected success, particularly in the Black Sea, shows how innovative strategies and new technologies can enable a smaller power to effectively challenge a more dominant power. At first, Russia’s naval superiority seemed unassailable, and the mighty Black Sea Fleet was on the verge of gaining the upper hand. But Ukraine’s strategic use of modern tactics, such as the deployment of maritime drones and anti-ship missiles, turned the tide in its favor.
At the beginning of the war, Ukraine’s naval capabilities seemed insignificant; its only warship was sunk to prevent capture. The Russian Navy initially operated unchallenged, conducting missile strikes, providing air support, and blockading ports. The situation changed dramatically with the Battle of the Black Sea, where Ukraine demonstrated innovative use of new weapons and tactics. A key moment was the sinking of the Moskva, Russia’s flagship guided missile cruiser, on April 14, 2022. Using intelligence, radar, and two Neptune anti-ship missiles, Ukraine managed to target the Moskva. This was the first loss of a Russian flagship since the Russo-Japanese War and the largest warship sunk in combat since World War II. This heavy blow forced the Russian fleet to retreat, thwarting an amphibious assault on Odessa and weakening Russian naval dominance.
Throughout 2022, Ukraine continued to use missile strikes and maritime drones, including the modern Magura-V5 drones. These maritime drones, capable of operating over long distances and carrying significant explosive charges, marked a new era of naval warfare. The first major use of these drones occurred during a daring attack on Sevastopol in October 2022, which damaged the Admiral Makarov frigate and other vessels. This attack has been called a turning point in naval strategy, emphasizing the effectiveness of unmanned systems in naval combat.
The Ukrainians’ strategic ingenuity did not end with immediate successes. They expanded the operational range of their maritime drones, including developing longer-range models such as the Seababies and Mamais. These advanced drones enabled strikes deep into Russian-held territories, including the far-flung port of Novorossiysk, and even targeted the Kerch Bridge. The use of these drones to lay sea mines and launch missile strikes further diversified Ukraine’s tactical arsenal.
Ukraine’s successes in the maritime domain, marked by the destruction or damage of 26 Russian ships, underscore a significant shift in naval power dynamics. The forced withdrawal of the Russian fleet from Sevastopol in October 2023 is an example of the effectiveness of these new tactics. The innovative use of maritime drones and other technologies demonstrates how non-traditional approaches can overcome traditional military strengths and reshape the future of naval warfare.
The results of the Black Sea campaign are a testament to the power of technological innovation and adaptive tactics. Ukraine’s success not only upsets the expected balance of power, but also provides valuable lessons for modern naval strategy. These developments underscore the increasing importance of unmanned systems and strategic creativity in current military conflicts and could redefine naval operations and defense paradigms worldwide.
