Naval Drones Carrying Fiber Optic FPV Drones Were Used in the Attack on Tuapse and Novorossiysk

The attack on September 24 on Russian oil transportation infrastructure in the ports of Novorossiysk and Tuapse also involved maritime drones carrying fiber optic FPVs.

Russians posted the video and photos of the damaged Ukrainian maritime drone on Telegram.

Judging by the video, the maritime drone was a carrier of fiber-optic FPV drones, but it received numerous fragmentation or bullet damage and was probably unable to perform its intended task.

The existence of Ukrainian unmanned maritime “drone carriers” equipped with FPV strike drones was reported in December 2024. The Navy then used them to attack Russian-occupied gas platforms near Crimea.

In March 2025, a video was published of Russian air defense systems in Crimea being hit by FPV drones launched from a naval drone.

The use of fiber optic control is a logical extension of this technology, making FPV drones less susceptible to electronic warfare and providing improved communication quality.

As a reminder, the attack on September 24 paralyzed the operation of Transneft’s oil loading complex and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal near Novorossiysk. It was there that Russians loaded oil onto their tankers, including from the so-called “shadow fleet.”

These transshipment points ensure the export of up to 2 million barrels of oil per day, making them a key element of Russia’s energy logistics.

In addition, the DIU’s maritime drones struck an oil loading pier in the port of Tuapse, where one of the largest terminals of the Russian Federation is located.

Ukrainian intelligence emphasized that the attack was aimed at the oil export facilities of the aggressor state, which finances the continuation of the criminal war against Ukraine. They also noted the Russian forces’ inability to protect critical infrastructure in the Black Sea effectively.

“The fight against the shadow oil exports of the aggressor state continues,” the DIU emphasized.

The Russian military’s attempt to repel the attack resulted in chaotic and inaccurate shelling. Seven residential buildings and a hotel were damaged, and several cars were destroyed.