Ukrainian operation strikes Crimean bridge with underwater precision
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) conducted a secret operation involving a strike on the Crimean Bridge, this time using a precise underwater explosion, reports the portal United24 Media. The tonnes of equipment amassed by the Russians on land didn't prevent the Ukrainians from carrying out the strike.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) successfully completed a months-long operation targeting the Crimean Bridge. The attack was conducted at 12:44 AM ET, using 1,100 kilograms of explosives (TNT equivalent). The explosion seriously damaged the underwater pillars of the bridge, according to United24 Media.
The operation was planned and executed with complete secrecy. The Crimean Bridge, crucial for Russian military logistics, was significantly damaged. General Vasyl Malyuk, head of the SBU, personally supervised the entire action.
"We hit the Crimean Bridge twice before, in 2022 and 2023. Today we continue this tradition, this time from below," explained the military officer.
Malyuk emphasized that the Crimean Bridge is a legitimate target because Russia uses it as a logistical artery to supply its troops. "Crimea is Ukraine, and any signs of occupation will meet with a strong response," he added.
This is already the third successful Ukrainian attack on the Crimean Bridge since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, but the first using underwater tactics. Previously, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, commander of the Ukrainian Navy, mentioned plans for a third operation against the bridge.
Russians protecting the Crimean Bridge
Let us recall that the Russians have long been accumulating tonnes of air defence equipment around the Crimean Bridge. Current observations indicate that Pantsir-S1 and S-300/400 complexes are primarily in operation in this area.
The S-400 system is characterized by its ability to simultaneously monitor up to 80 targets and guide up to 160 missiles. It can attack objects up to approximately 400 kilometres away and moving at altitudes of up to 30 kilometres. This system is effective against both aircraft and ballistic missiles.
On the other hand, although the S-300 complex is based on older technology, it still plays a vital role in air defence. It can simultaneously track 100 targets and attack objects up to a maximum of 200 kilometres away, located at altitudes of up to 27 kilometres. The S-300 missiles reach speeds of up to 8,000 km/h.
The Pantsir-S1, on the other hand, is a system that integrates missile and artillery functions. It is equipped with 30 mm guns capable of firing up to 2,500 rounds per minute, allowing for the destruction of targets within a radius of 4 kilometres. The missile component consists of 12 launchers, which can target objects up to 20 kilometres away and at altitudes of up to 14 kilometres. Additionally, the system has two radars used for detecting and tracking targets.
