Ukraine attacks destroyer Admiral Essen: Analysis of technical and radar system damage.

The Ukrainian intelligence agency (RBC-Ukraine) and the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) confirmed a coordinated attack on the night of March 2nd, directly targeting the Admiral Essen destroyer of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. This warship, equipped with eight Kalibr cruise missiles, plays a crucial role in Moscow's long-range strikes.

Details of the technical damage on board the Admiral Essen

The attack precisely targeted the superstructure in the midship area. According to reports from the scene, the explosion destroyed grenade launchers used to deploy heat decoys and a radio signal dispersal system. These were crucial active defenses that helped the ship evade enemy guided missiles.

Regarding the electronic warfare system, the TK-25 complex – which functions to detect radar radiation and create jamming to protect the ship – suffered serious damage. More notably, the ZR-90 Orekh target illumination radar system, a key component in guiding anti-aircraft missiles, was also among the equipment hit. This incident significantly reduced the ship's air defense capabilities.

In addition, the Fregat-M2M main surveillance radar system, responsible for detecting ground and air targets at long range, is believed to have been affected by blast waves and debris. A fire broke out on the ship's deck and raged continuously for about 18 hours, demonstrating the extent of damage deep within the ship's structure and making rescue efforts extremely difficult at the port of Novorossiysk.

Tactical impact on the Black Sea Fleet

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that the attack did not stop at the Admiral Essen. Another warship of the same class, the Admiral Makarov, was also confirmed to have been damaged in the attack. The penetration of the multi-layered air defense system in Novorossiysk Bay reveals a vulnerability in the network protecting Russian strategic assets in the region.

Damage to the radar and fire control systems has rendered the Admiral Essen incapable of accurately deploying Kalibr cruise missiles. This significantly reduces the Black Sea Fleet's ability to conduct maritime strikes against Ukrainian territory in the near future. Ukrainian authorities are still assessing the impact on other support vessels present in port at the time of the incident.

Ukraine insists that attacks targeting Russian military infrastructure will continue. Russia has yet to issue an official comment on the extent of damage to the two warships at Novorossiysk.