Ukrainian Special Forces Strike Russian Kalibr Missile Ship in Azov Sea
Ukrainian military intelligence forces struck a Russian warship capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles in the Azov Sea on Thursday, forcing the vessel to withdraw from its patrol zone near occupied Crimea.
The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) reported that its fighters damaged a Project 21631 Buyan-M-class small missile ship during a coordinated operation involving two specialized units. The attack targeted the vessel while it operated in Temryuk Bay, positioned within range to launch Kalibr missiles against Ukrainian territory.
According to HUR’s official statement, the operation unfolded in two phases. First, fighters from the special unit “Prymary” used a strike drone to damage the ship’s radar system. Special forces from HUR’s Department of Active Measures then followed with a direct attack on the vessel’s hull. HUR published drone footage purporting to show the strike against the warship.
“As a result of the attacks, the Russian missile ship, which was in the potential launch zone for Kalibrs in the Temryuk Bay, was damaged and forced to leave its combat duty area,” the intelligence service stated.
The targeted vessel belongs to Russia’s Buyan-M class, a series of small but heavily armed corvettes designed for operations in coastal areas and inland seas. These ships measure 240 feet in length with a displacement of approximately 949 tons and can reach speeds up to 25 knots. The vessels carry crews of roughly 52 sailors and feature modern communications and radar systems.
The Buyan-M’s primary armament includes Kalibr cruise missiles, Redut surface-to-air missile systems, and a 3-inch naval gun, along with machine-gun mounts for close-range defense.
The class was among the first Russian surface ships used to launch Kalibr missiles, weapons that have become central to Moscow’s campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Kalibr missiles represent Russia’s primary sea-launched cruise weapon system, capable of launch from both surface vessels and submarines operating in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
These missiles have a range exceeding 930 miles and employ flight profiles designed to evade air defense systems. Kalibr cruise missiles were reportedly used in the recent Russian strike on an American factory in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region on August 21, which SOFX reported on.
Thursday’s operation continues Ukraine’s sustained campaign against Russian naval assets in the region. Previous Ukrainian attacks using naval drones, missiles, and long-range drones have significantly reduced Moscow’s naval presence around occupied Crimea.
Ukrainian forces have previously destroyed several Russian vessels, including the Caesar Kunikov landing ship, the Sergei Kotov patrol ship, and the Ivanovets missile corvette.
