Russia is losing its submarine fleet: half of the Varshavyanka class is out of service in the Black Sea.

The loss of combat potential of the Russian Black Sea Fleet

According to ТСН: The Russian Black Sea Fleet is gradually losing an important element of its combat potential - diesel-electric submarines of project 636.3 "Varshavyanka". According to Defence Express, about half of such submarines can no longer be used.

Before the full-scale invasion, Russia had four submarines of this type in the Black Sea: "Rostov-on-Don", "Krasnodar", "Great Novgorod" and "Kolpino". These submarines were actively used to launch Caliber cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine.

However, after a series of attacks and damage, particularly at base points, some of these submarines have lost combat capability or require prolonged repairs. Analysts emphasize that only one or two "Varshavyankas" may remain ready for combat use.

Formally, the Black Sea Fleet also includes the submarine B-871 "Alrosa" of the "Paltus" project, but it does not carry Caliber missiles, and its technical condition limits its combat capabilities.

Experts note that Russia has already reached halfway to the actual loss of the submarine component of its combat potential in the Black Sea.

In addition, in the port of Novorossiysk, underwater drones Sub Sea Baby of the Security Service of Ukraine struck the submarine of the 636.3 'Varshavyanka' class. According to available information, the submarine suffered critical damage and is effectively being removed from combat service.

"The operation was conducted jointly by the 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU and the Naval Forces of Ukraine. This is the first documented case of successfully striking a combat submarine directly at the base point using underwater drones."

It was previously reported that SBU naval drones Sea Baby hit the oil tanker Dashan in the Black Sea, which belongs to Russia's 'shadow fleet'.

These events indicate a significant weakening of Russia's military potential in the Black Sea, as submarines have played a key role in striking Ukraine. The loss of combat naval units such as "Varshavyankas" will affect Russia's ability to conduct military operations in this strategic region, as well as the overall balance of power at sea.