The Black Sea Fleet patrol boat Pytlivy was attacked by a drone off Novorossiysk.
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed that the Russian Project 1135M patrol boat Pytlivy was attacked by a suicide drone near the port of Novorossiysk, causing damage to the Black Sea Fleet.
Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces deployed FP-1/2 suicide drones to attack the Pytlivy patrol boat, part of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The attack took place in the Novorossiysk port area, where Russia maintains one of its important naval bases.
According to information from the Ukrainian General Staff, the Pytlivy (hull number 868) was hit. Previously, some reports from the Special Border Guard Forces (SBS) suggested the target was the Admiral Essen destroyer; however, image analysis from video by analyst @GrangerE04117 confirmed the target was indeed the Project 1135M vessel.
Details about the Pytlivy patrol boat of Project 1135M
Pytlivy is the only remaining Project 1135M (modernized Burevestnik-class) vessel in active service with the 30th Surface Division of the Black Sea Fleet. It is an upgraded version of the basic 1135 prototype, featuring significant improvements in firepower and reconnaissance systems.
The most significant difference in Project 1135M lies in the installation of AK-100 single-barreled 100mm guns, replacing the older 76mm guns, thus enhancing surface combat capabilities. In addition, the sonar system was upgraded to optimize anti-submarine warfare missions. The ship was launched in April 1981 and officially entered service in early 1982.
Technical specifications and weapon systems
Although initially designed specifically for submarine search and destroy missions, the Russian Navy now uses Pytlivy as a multi-purpose patrol vessel to protect its waters, escort transport ships, and maintain a military presence in key areas.
| Parameter | Technical details |
|---|---|
| Displacement weight | 3,200 tons |
| Dimensions (Length x Width x Draft) | 123m x 14.2m x 4.5m |
| Powertrain system | Gas turbine (Total power 34,000 horsepower) |
| Maximum speed | 32.2 knots/hour |
| Operating range | 5,000 nautical miles (at a speed of 14 knots) |
| Crew | Maximum 197 people |
The Pytlivy's weapons systems are quite diverse, including:
- Anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare:1 URK-5 "Rastrub-B" torpedo-missile launcher with 4 missiles, 2 533mm torpedo tube assemblies, and 2 RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers.
- Air defense:2 Osa-MA-2 anti-aircraft missile launchers with a total of 40 missiles.
- Artillery:Two AK-100 100mm caliber cannons.
The attack at Novorossiysk further highlights the vulnerabilities in protecting Russian surface warships against Ukraine's inexpensive yet highly mobile unmanned vehicles.
