Drone Attack Leaves Russia’s New Arctic Patrol Ship Listing, Crashing Into Nearby Vessel

A Russian Arctic patrol vessel under construction for the Federal Security Service (FSB) Coast Guard appears to have been damaged in a drone attack, leaving it listing and colliding with another ship at a shipyard, according to images released by the OSINT community Exilenova+ on March 25.

The incident reportedly took place at the Vyborg Shipyard in Russia’s Leningrad region, where the vessel is still undergoing construction and outfitting.

Photographs from the scene show the ship leaning noticeably to port, with its superstructure pressed against a nearby vessel. The visible damage suggests the ship may have sustained a breach in its hull.

The vessel is believed to be the Purga, an ice-class border patrol ship from Project 23550 (code name “Ermak”), which serves as the lead ship of its class.

The platform is being built specifically for operations in Arctic conditions as part of Russia’s border security fleet.

According to its design specifications, the ship is expected to be equipped with a 76 mm AK-176MA naval gun, two 30 mm AK-306M close-in weapon systems, heavy machine guns, and portable air defense launchers.

If confirmed, the damage would mark a rare strike on a Russian naval asset still in the construction phase, potentially delaying its entry into service.

Earlier, reports emerged that Russia was preparing to deploy naval warship convoys and armed “mobile fire groups” to protect its shadow fleet from international pressure.

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters work on the frontlines to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support helps them keep reporting.

SUPPORT