KYIV, Ukraine — April 7, 2026 : The Russian Navy’s Project 11356R frigate Admiral Essen sustained additional damage during a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attack on the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk on April 6, 2026, according to open-source intelligence (OSINT) assessments. The incident marks the second confirmed strike on the vessel within just over a month, following an earlier attack on March 2, 2026.
Identification Confirmed Through Imagery Analysis
OSINT analysts from the CyberBoroshno group confirmed the identity of the damaged vessel after examining post-strike satellite imagery captured on April 7, 2026. The ship was conclusively identified as Admiral Essen based on its distinctive white radar antennas, a feature that differentiates it from other Project 11356R frigates, which are equipped with standard gray antenna systems.
Additional verification was achieved by analyzing vessel positioning within Novorossiysk harbor. Analysts noted that the frigate Admiral Makarov remained in the same mooring location observed after earlier attacks, providing a consistent spatial reference. This allowed analysts to confirm that the vessel struck on April 6 was Admiral Essen.
Damage Concentrated in Forward Section
Military analysts assessing the satellite imagery reported that the April 6 strike impacted the bow section of the frigate, near the A-190 100 mm naval gun. This forward area contains anchor handling systems and auxiliary compartments.
The impact zone is also located directly above the MGK-335M “Platina” hull-mounted sonar system. Although the sonar itself is positioned below the waterline, analysts assess that any structural shock or collateral damage in this section could significantly degrade the ship’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Repairs to such systems typically require dry-dock facilities.
There is no indication that the vertical launch system (VLS) cells, which house Kalibr cruise missiles, were directly hit in the April 6 strike. However, cumulative structural and systems damage is expected to further reduce the vessel’s operational readiness and mobility.
Context: March 2 Strike Caused Extensive System Damage
The latest strike follows a previous UAV attack on the night of March 2, 2026, which caused significant damage to the frigate’s central superstructure. That earlier strike resulted in a fire that reportedly burned for approximately 18 hours.
According to Ukrainian security sources and independent analysts, the March 2 incident triggered a secondary detonation involving onboard PK-10 passive decoy launchers. The explosion and prolonged fire led to the degradation or destruction of multiple critical onboard systems.
Systems reported damaged or destroyed in the March attack include:
- The TK-25 electronic warfare suite
- MR-90 “Orekh” fire-control radars
- Fregat-M2M primary surveillance radar
Following the March 2 strike, assessments indicated that the frigate’s ability to conduct long-range strike operations using Kalibr cruise missiles was significantly reduced.
Vessel Background and Operational Role
The Admiral Essen is one of three Project 11356R (Admiral Grigorovich-class) frigates in Russian service. The class was constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. The vessel was launched in 2014 and commissioned into the Russian Navy in June 2016 as part of the Black Sea Fleet.
Designed for multi-role operations, the frigate is capable of anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and long-range land-attack missions. It is equipped to carry up to eight Kalibr cruise missiles and features multiple sensor systems, including the Fregat-M2M air search radar and the 3Ts-25 Garpun-B surface search radar.
Since the escalation of hostilities in 2022, Admiral Essen has been regularly employed in missile strike operations targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.
Fleet Disposition and Port Activity
At the time of the April 6 attack, Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov were the only Project 11356R frigates present at Novorossiysk. The lead ship of the class, Admiral Grigorovich, was deployed in the Mediterranean Sea and not present in port.
The April 6 strike was part of a broader Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces operation targeting Russian naval assets and infrastructure in Novorossiysk. Ukrainian officials reported strikes on a Project 11356R frigate and additional port-related targets during the operation.
Russian authorities acknowledged drone activity over Novorossiysk on April 6 but did not provide specific details regarding damage to naval vessels.
Strategic Context: Shift to Novorossiysk
Novorossiysk, located in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, has become the primary operational hub for the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Over the past two years, Russia relocated a significant portion of its high-value naval assets to the port due to repeated Ukrainian strikes on facilities in occupied Crimea.
Despite this relocation, the April 6 and March 2 attacks indicate that Ukrainian forces retain the capability to target naval assets at extended range.
As of April 7, 2026, no official Russian statement has confirmed the extent of damage sustained by Admiral Essen in either the March 2 or April 6 strikes.
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