How the Ukrainians – With No Navy – Defeated Russia’s Black Sea Fleet

Since the onset of Russia's invasion in 2022, Ukraine has not only held its ground on land but also surprisingly excelled in maritime combat. 

This unexpected success, particularly in the Black Sea, highlights how innovative strategies and new technologies can enable a smaller power to effectively challenge a more dominant force. Initially, Russia’s naval superiority seemed unassailable, with the powerful Black Sea Fleet poised to dominate. However, Ukraine's strategic use of advanced tactics, such as deploying sea drones and anti-ship missiles, turned the tide in their favor.

At the war's start, Ukraine’s naval capabilities appeared negligible, with their only warship scuttled to prevent capture. Russia's 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 weaponry and tactics. A pivotal moment was the sinking of the Moskva, Russia's flagship guided-missile cruiser, on April 14, 2022. Utilizing intelligence, radar, and two Neptune anti-ship missiles, Ukraine successfully targeted the Moskva, marking the first loss of a Russian flagship since the Russo-Japanese War and the largest warship sunk in combat since World War II. This significant blow forced the Russian fleet to retreat, thus thwarting an amphibious assault on Odesa and diminishing Russian naval dominance.

Throughout 2022, Ukraine continued leveraging missile strikes and sea drones, including the advanced Magura-V5 drones. These sea drones, capable of long-range operations and carrying substantial explosive payloads, showcased a new era in naval warfare. The first major deployment of these drones occurred during a daring raid on Sevastopol in October 2022, damaging the frigate Admiral Makarov and other vessels. This attack was described as a watershed moment in naval strategy, emphasizing the efficacy of unmanned systems in maritime combat.

The Ukrainians' strategic ingenuity did not stop with immediate successes. They expanded the operational reach of their sea drones, including the development of longer-range models like the Seababies and Mamais. These advanced drones enabled attacks deep into Russian-held territories, including the distant port of Novorossiysk, and even targeted the Kerch Bridge. The use of these drones in laying naval mines and launching rocket attacks further diversified Ukraine's tactical arsenal.

Ukraine’s achievements in the maritime domain, marked by the destruction or damage of 26 Russian vessels, underline a significant shift in naval power dynamics. The forced retreat of the Russian fleet from Sevastopol in October 2023 exemplifies the effectiveness of these new tactics. The innovative use of sea drones and other technologies demonstrates how non-traditional approaches can overcome traditional military strengths, reshaping naval warfare's future.

The Black Sea campaign's outcomes serve as a testament to the power of technological innovation and adaptive tactics. Ukraine's success not only disrupts the expected balance of power but also provides valuable lessons in modern naval strategy. These developments highlight the increasing importance of unmanned systems and strategic creativity in contemporary military conflicts, potentially redefining naval engagements and defense paradigms globally.