Russian fleet relocates to Novorossiysk amid drone threat

According to the latest reports from Defence-Ua, the Russian Black Sea Fleet has relocated its main base from occupied Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. There is a significant reason behind this move.

The latest satellite images, published by OSINT expert MT Anderson, show that most of the Russian fleet's valuable equipment in the Black Sea is now stationed in Novorossiysk. This relocation is due to the need to avoid attacks by Ukrainian maritime drones, prompting Russia to use barges to secure the entrance to the new base. However, this is not the only challenge Russia faces.

At the new location, all operational Russian submarines in the Black Sea are present, including the B-871 "Alrosa" of Project 877V "Paltus" and three units of the "Varshavyanka" class - B-265 "Krasnodar," B-268 "Veliky Novgorod," and B-271 "Kolpino."

In addition to submarines, the stationed units include two new missile frigates of Project 11356P, "Admiral Essen" and "Admiral Makarov," older ships of Project 1135, "Burevestnik" - "Ladny" and "Pytlivy," six large amphibious ships, including four from Project 775, and all three patrol vessels of Project 22160. In recent days, the Russian fleet has been rendered powerless.

In addition to more modern units, older Soviet-era ships are also stationed in Novorossiysk, including two small missile ships of Project 1239, "Bora" and "Samum." Interestingly, although the hostile forces have four small missile ships of the "Buyan-M" type capable of carrying "Kalibr" missiles, currently, only one such ship is in Novorossiysk. At the same time, the rest do not risk venturing out to sea.

This report indicates a significant change in the Russian fleet's strategy amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, showing increased caution and protective measures in the Black Sea region.