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Russian Frigate Admiral Essen Sustains Critical Damage Following Novorossiysk Port Strike
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The Russian frigate “Admiral Essen” is no longer capable of launching “Kalibr” missiles at Ukraine after sustaining critical damage during an attack on the port of Novorossiysk on the night of March 2.
The strike hit the midsection of the ship’s superstructure. The resulting fire on the vessel burned for approximately 18 hours, according to Ukrainska Pravda on March 5.
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The damage to the warship is extensive, affecting several critical systems necessary for its combat operations.
During the incident, the ship’s grenade launchers used for firing heat flares and radio signal diffusers exploded.
The TK-25 electronic warfare complex, which is designed to detect radar radiation and create interference, was also damaged. These systems are vital for the ship’s defense against incoming threats.
Furthermore, the strike hit the ZR-90 “Oreh” target illumination radars. These components are essential parts of the guidance system for the ship’s anti-aircraft missile complex.
There is also likely damage to the “Fregat-M2M” main surveillance radar, which provides long-range detection of air and surface targets.
Earlier, Ukrainian defense forces had carried out a large-scale overnight operation against the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s primary base in Novorossiysk, utilizing approximately 200 aerial and maritime drones to strike the naval port.
The attack reportedly damaged five vessels, including the minesweeper “Valentin Pikul” and two Albatros-class corvettes, while also hitting critical energy infrastructure at the Sheskharis oil terminal.
The operation resulted in casualties among Russian military personnel and successfully engaged a radar station belonging to a Russian S-400 air defense system.
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