Drone Strike Damages Russian Arctic Patrol Vessel
A Russian Arctic patrol vessel, currently under construction for the Federal Security Service (FSB) Coast Guard, has reportedly sustained damage from a drone attack. The incident occurred at the Vyborg Shipyard in Russia’s Leningrad region, where the vessel was in the midst of outfitting. Images shared by the OSINT community Exilenova+ on March 25 reveal the ship listing significantly and colliding with another vessel at the shipyard.
Details of the Incident
Photographs from the scene depict the ship leaning heavily to port, with its superstructure pressed against a nearby vessel. The visible damage indicates a potential breach in the hull, raising concerns about the vessel’s structural integrity. The ship in question is believed to be the Purga, an ice-class border patrol ship from Project 23550, also known by its code name “Ermak.” This vessel is designed specifically for operations in Arctic conditions and serves as the lead ship of its class.
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The Purga is expected to be equipped with advanced weaponry, including a 76 mm AK-176MA naval gun, two 30 mm AK-306M close-in weapon systems, heavy machine guns, and portable air defense launchers. If the damage is confirmed, it could represent a rare strike on a Russian naval asset still in the construction phase, potentially delaying its entry into service.
In light of this incident, earlier reports have surfaced indicating that Russia is preparing to deploy naval warship convoys and armed “mobile fire groups” to safeguard its shadow fleet from increasing international scrutiny. This development underscores the heightened tensions surrounding Russia’s maritime operations and its ongoing efforts to bolster border security in the Arctic region.
