Following Kiev’s deployment of contemporary Harpoon anti-ship missiles, the Russian Navy has reduced the number of cruise missile ships in the Black Sea Fleet.
According to the Ukrainian army’s Southern Operations Command, the Russian Navy has reorganised the Black Sea Fleet’s payroll. As a result, while patrols to block the Black Sea continue, this Fleet’s cruise missile-carrying warships have been decreased.
According to our sources in Ukraine’s defence circle, the Black Sea Fleet now only has two corvettes and a submarine with the capability of carrying a total of 20 Kalibr cruise missiles to carry out operations against targets within Ukraine’s territory. In addition, an amphibious ship is undergoing combat readiness training.
The Russian Navy’s decision to reduce the number of cruise missile-carrying warships this time is seen as a cautious step in light of Ukraine’s deployment of new anti-ship Harpoon missiles. The US government is also prepared to reveal a new military aid package for President Volodymyr Zelensky’s administration, which would include truck-mounted Harpoon missiles.
The Harpoon missile is one of the world’s most effective and terrifying anti-ship missiles, capable of carrying a 227kg explosive warhead. This missile is thought to be capable of shooting down any Russian Navy battleship, thanks to its subsonic speed, ability to operate in all weather, and capacity to be guided by both global positioning systems and infrared imaging.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Oleksi Reznikov, had previously warned that the Black Sea Fleet’s ships would suffer the same fate as the Russian flagship after the Ukrainian defence forces deployed Harpoon missiles alongside other ships’ homegrown Neptune rockets.
In answer to this challenge, Russian Navy engineers commenced research and installation of the Tor surface-to-air missile system on the decks of Black Sea Fleet warships to undertake anti-aircraft missions against the enemy. The threat of anti-ship cruise missiles.
The Russian Navy, on the other hand, has stated that the installation and testing of Tor systems on its Black Sea missile patrol boats will not be finished this year. As a result, the Russian Navy will be less concerned about the harm that Ukraine’s missiles can wreak by reducing the number of battle ships in the Black Sea.
