Ukrainian naval drones hit seized gas platforms

7 December, 2024 Offshore gas platforms hit by naval drones of the Ukrainian Navy. Photo credits: Ukrainian Navy Naval drones of the Ukrainian Navy hit the gas platforms seized by the Russian invaders in the Black Sea.

The video of their destruction was published on the official Facebook page of the Ukrainian Navy. The enemy used the captured platforms as maritime observation posts, where, in addition to personnel, radar stations for detecting air and sea objects, as well as electronic warfare stations, were deployed. The Ukrainian Navy used maritime drones to destroy the platforms.

Due to the powerful explosions, the fire began to spread rapidly through the flammable materials of the platforms. The first platform was attacked by two marine drones, which detonated near the supports, causing a massive fire. The second platform was attacked by a single marine drone, which also started a fire as a result of a powerful detonation.

The third platform was attacked with a combined use of munitions. First, an FPV drone was used to attack the Russian military on the platform. Judging by the video, the Russians tried to destroy the USVs with assault rifles.

We should also note a new approach to the implementation of objective monitoring of the consequences, where several naval drones were used as carriers for airborne drones to record the damage.

The moment a quadcopter takes off from a naval drone. Photo credits: Ukrainian Navy

The video shows two instances of drone takeoff: during the attack on the first platform, where it was used to record the attack, and during the attack on the third platform, where an FPV drone was deployed to attack the Russian forces.

The moment of pursuit of Russian infantry by an FPV drone. Photo credits: Ukrainian Navy

The fire on the gas platforms is confirmed by NASA satellites used to record anomalous temperature increases across the planet.

According to the FIRMS website, the fire on the platforms was recorded from 1:13 to 2:40 Kyiv time.

The center of the fires was recorded by NASA satellites. Photo credits: FIRMS

It should be noted that since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the enemy has been actively using the seized maritime infrastructure to deploy electronic warfare equipment, radar stations, and repeaters. For example, in 2022, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine at the time stated that Russia had placed its electronic warfare stations on Ukrainian drilling platforms seized in 2014.

These electronic warfare stations were supposed to protect Russian warships from being targeted by the Ukrainian anti-ship missile system RK-360 MC Neptune.

In addition, in September 2023, Special Forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate took control of the Boyko oil and gas rigs in the Black Sea.