Ukrainian Naval Forces Confirm Use of Swedish High-Tech Missile in Attack on Oil Platform

The Ukrainian Naval Forces recently executed a strategic strike using a volley of modern Swedish anti-ship missiles, successfully destroying an oil platform in the Black Sea that was under the control of Russian forces. This significant military action was reported by the official military press service of Kyiv on Monday.

In a video released by the Ukrainian Naval Forces late Monday evening, footage showed at least two missile-shaped objects striking and exploding on the 'Sivash' platform, which is a self-elevating drilling rig located approximately 60-80 kilometers northwest of the Crimean coast. Russian forces had been utilizing this abandoned oil platform for monitoring airspace, conducting electronic warfare, and as a platform for air defense.

The edited Ukrainian video lasts three minutes and features nighttime launches of two missiles, along with powerful explosions occurring on the main deck of the platform. Additional footage captured by drones from both aerial and maritime perspectives displayed Ukrainian 'kamikaze' robotic boats and FPV drones attacking the site during a fierce nighttime naval battle.

According to information from the Ukrainian Naval Forces, the strikes were carried out using RBS-15 (Robotsystem 15) Gungir missiles, which were developed by the Swedish company Saab Bofors Dynamics. Both Russian and Ukrainian military media confirmed on Tuesday that the Swedish missile was indeed used in this confrontation.

As per data from SAAB, the RBS-15 missile measures 4.35 meters in length, can be launched from ships, air, or ground platforms, weighs approximately 650 kilograms, and reaches speeds slightly below Mach 1.0 (the speed of sound). The missile employs an inertial navigation system (INS), GPS, and active radar homing in the terminal phase to reach its target.

The 'fire-and-forget' feature means that these systems are fully autonomous after launch, requiring no further control from the operator. This capability makes them particularly effective in scenarios where rapid response is critical.

According to corporate information, the RBS-15 missile is optimized for operation in complex coastal or open sea conditions and is equipped with advanced avionics, including built-in electronic countermeasure capabilities (ECCM).

This attack on the oil platform forms part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to counter Russian military forces in the Black Sea, where control over maritime routes and resources is of utmost importance to both sides. The Ukrainian Naval Forces continue to enhance their capabilities, employing cutting-edge technologies and tactics to safeguard their interests in the region.