Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Frigate 'Admiral Essen' in Successful Operation.

Strike on the Frigate 'Admiral Essen'

According to UATV: In a joint operation, Ukraine's Security Service and Defense Forces targeted the Russian frigate 'Admiral Essen' at the port of Novorossiysk on the night of March 2. This vessel is a significant asset for Russia's Black Sea Fleet, as it carries eight 'Kalibr' cruise missiles, a key component of its long-range strike capability.

The attack struck the ship's midsection superstructure, igniting a deck fire that reportedly burned for approximately 18 hours, indicating severe damage. The operation also triggered the explosion of decoy launchers used for firing thermal flares and radio signal jammers.

Impact on Combat Readiness

The strike damaged the TK-25 electronic warfare system, likely impairing the frigate's ability to counter incoming threats. Additionally, the target illumination radars of the ZR-90 'Orekh' air defense system were hit, and the vessel's primary surveillance radar, the 'Fregat-M2M', is also suspected to have been damaged. These combined effects represent a substantial blow to the warship's operational readiness.

This successful attack marks a notable escalation in Ukraine's capacity to project force against high-value Russian naval targets. Damaging such critical systems can significantly degrade the combat effectiveness of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea region. The operation underscores Ukraine's growing capability to conduct complex strikes against strategic assets, which may influence the broader dynamics of the ongoing conflict.