Ukrainian forces attempted a naval drone attack against the Russian frigate Admiral Makarov in Sevastopol Bay using USV marine drones, but lost Starlink satellite communication approximately 70 kilometers from the target. Five drones approached the vessel carrying 108 kilograms of TNT each before connection was severed, resulting in only two drones successfully returning to base while others sank or self-destructed.

Starlink communication was lost approximately 70 kilometers from the target during the attack

Elon Musk excluded the Starlinks through which Ukrainian forces controlled the drones

Five drones successfully approached Sevastopol carrying 108 kilograms of TNT each

Only two drones successfully returned to base while others sank or self-destructed due to technical issues

Ukraine's first naval drone attack took place in September 2022, targeting Russia's Admiral Makarov frigate stationed in Sevastopol Bay in occupied Crimea

In September 2022, the Russian Navy tested decoy targets on barges for several days, likely preparing to defend themselves against radar-guided missiles.