(NOVOROSSIYSK, KRASNODAR KRAI) – Satellite images published this week show extensive damage at a Russian military site located near the port of Novorossiysk, following what Ukrainian officials describe as a long range operation targeting air defence assets and critical oil export infrastructure.
The first image, dated 11 November 2025, showed a full array of S400 air defence launchers positioned around the base along with their radar systems. A second image, taken four days later, indicates that several launchers and associated equipment are no longer visible. Analysts have identified what appear to be the remains of destroyed vehicles, radar fragments and clear burn marks across the site.
The imagery suggests that at least four S400 launchers and key radar installations were removed or destroyed. The Russian military has not issued a public statement on the incident.
The Ukrainian side claims responsibility, describing the attack as one of its longest range strikes, estimated at roughly four hundred kilometres from Ukrainian held territory. According to Ukrainian sources, the operation combined FP1 drones operated live by Ukrainian drone units and Neptune missiles targeting nearby port infrastructure.
A Ukrainian military officer stated that twelve launchers had been deployed at the site before the strike and assessed that the remainder were likely damaged. Ukraine’s account has not been independently verified, though the visual evidence shows clear structural destruction.
A comparison of the before and after images shows the previously aligned row of launchers and radars entirely absent in the later frame. The blast area appears to have produced two visible craters and wide fire damage around the base perimeter.
Nearby port infrastructure, an important Russian export point in the Black Sea, also suffered damage. Imagery reveals significant destruction of pipelines, pumps and other operational equipment. Ukrainian analysts estimate that repairs could take at least six months, possibly longer.
Confirmed Losses Reported by Ukrainian Command
| System or Component | Number before strike | Number confirmed destroyed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S400 launchers | 12 | 4 | Remaining units possibly damaged |
| 96H6 Cheese Board radar | Not specified | 1 | Satellite image shows severe damage |
| 92H6 Gravestone radar | Not specified | 1 | Extent of destruction remains under study |
| Port pumping equipment | Unknown | Extensive damage | Estimated half year restoration time |
Ukrainian sources say the FP1 drone models used in the attack were equipped with cameras designed to broadcast live flight paths to operators. Footage of the strike has not yet been released.
The S400 system is considered one of the most advanced air defence units available to Russia. The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has previously promoted the S400 and the S500 as key components of Russia’s strategic defence capability. However, the S500 remains expensive and scarce, and analysts say Russia relies heavily on the S300 and S400 families due to budget constraints and production limits.
Open source information indicates that Russia has experienced increasing pressure on its national budget, relying on domestic loans to support industrial and military activity. Financial analysts note that this level of borrowing is unlikely to be sustainable in the long term.
Ukraine has stated that strikes targeting Russian military logistics, energy infrastructure and export routes are likely to continue, arguing that these facilities support the Russian war effort. Ukrainian officials have frequently emphasised that their operations focus on military and economic targets rather than civilian sites.
The incident also has again revealed ongoing challenges reportedly faced by Russian security and counter intelligence services. Ukrainian officials claim that Russia remains unable to anticipate strikes of this scale, citing past surprise events such as attacks on military bases, incidents in Moscow and strikes on strategic locations deep inside Russian territory.
Historical analysis suggests that attacks on civilian areas rarely change the course of conflicts, whereas strikes on military or economic facilities can have longer term impact. Ukrainian officials argue that their strategy reflects this distinction.
The situation in the area remains under observation and further satellite updates are expected in the coming days.
