Residents of Novorossiysk advised of potential attack by autonomous watercraft
In the early hours of July 6, 2025, the city of Novorossiysk, Russia, found itself at the centre of a significant and coordinated assault. Unmanned boats and aerial drones launched a surprise attack on the city's port, which hosts Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
The attack, which lasted for several hours, prompted air raid sirens to sound and active engagement by Russian air defense systems. The city's mayor, Andrey Kravchenko, confirmed the attack and urged residents to avoid the sea and coastal areas and to seek shelter indoors, particularly in windowless rooms. Traffic was also blocked along the embankment, and walking there was prohibited until the threat was lifted around 6:33 a.m. local time on July 7.
Russian defenses claimed to have shot down a total of 120 drones across various regions on the night encompassing the attacks, including drones over Novorossiysk and nearby waters. Footage circulated on social media showed a burning marine drone, reportedly destroyed during the defense effort.
However, no detailed information about casualties or damage was released at the time, and the consequences of the drone attack were still being assessed. The attack underscores ongoing tensions and the vulnerability of Russian naval assets in the Black Sea region, especially given that some key Black Sea Fleet ships had reportedly been relocated from Novorossiysk by fall 2024 in anticipation of Ukrainian long-range strikes.
The residents of Novorossiysk were asked to remain calm and monitor official information throughout the ordeal. The signal for the cancellation of the threat will be given when the situation is deemed safe. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of modern warfare and the need for vigilance in the face of such threats.
[1] [Source for the relocation of ships from Novorossiysk by fall 2024] [2] [Source for the anticipated Ukrainian long-range strikes] [3] [Source for the attack on Novorossiysk] [4] [Source for the downing of 120 drones]
The unexpected drone attack on Novorossiysk's city port, host to Russia's Black Sea Fleet, has heightened political tensions and raised concerns about the security of Russian naval assets in the Black Sea region. (politics, general-news)
Additionally, the downing of numerous drones across various regions, including over Novorossiysk and nearby waters, signifies a new era in modern warfare, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and preparedness in potential future conflicts. (politics, general-news)
