Ukraine Strikes Sanctioned Tanker BLUE Near Yalta Using Sea Baby Drone
On the morning of July 8, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) struck the BLUE oil tanker in the Black Sea using a Sea Baby drone. The attack was launched as part of a 40-day operation aimed at pressuring Russia to end the war, the agency reported.
The tanker is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” At the time of the attack, the vessel was located near occupied Yalta, within Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone. The Sea Baby naval drone struck the vessel’s stern, causing significant damage. During the special operation, enemy aircraft attempted to operate against the Ukrainian drone but were unsuccessful.
The tanker is under sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Ukraine. The restrictions were introduced due to its involvement in transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions. According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine War&Sanctions database, BLUE uses the Cameroonian flag to evade sanctions.
Unmanned Systems Forces Target Nine Tankers Belonging to Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”
On the night of July 8, the Unmanned Systems Forces struck nine tankers belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Sea of Azov. The operation aimed at disrupting Russia’s ability to circumvent international sanctions and transport oil illegally.
The vessels targeted were part of a larger network of ships used by Russia to evade sanctions and supply its military with fuel. The Unmanned Systems Forces’ actions demonstrate Ukraine‘s commitment to countering Russian aggression and upholding international law.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the use of unmanned systems like Sea Baby drones is becoming increasingly important for both sides. While Ukraine has been successful in targeting sanctioned vessels, Russia has also been developing its own drone capabilities to counter Ukrainian operations.
Original Article: Sea Baby Naval Drone Strikes Sanctioned Tanker BLUE Near Yalta — Militarnyi