"Such ships control underwater gas pipelines": naval expert on destruction of Sergei Kotov

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"The tactics of using surface combat unmanned boats are being improved and are yielding certain results. This year, the 3rd ship has already been destroyed at sea, when it was on alert and knew it was being attacked, but could do nothing. Such ships are designed for patrolling, have a modular design, and can be rearmed and turned into corvettes if necessary. But none of the 4 ships that Russia has has been converted," Zablotskyi said. 

The Defence Express naval expert also added that the Sergei Kotov was armed with one 76 mm cannon and two self-defence systems.

"It can conduct surface radar reconnaissance, radio reconnaissance, and has underwater sensors that allow 'listening' to the depths. One of the tasks of such ships is to control underwater gas pipelines in the Black Sea," Zablotskyi said. 

• On March 5, the Ukrainian military used marine drones to target the Russian Navy patrol ship Sergei Kotov in the temporarily occupied Crimea. There are dead and wounded among the crew.
• On February 14, Ukrainian defenders, together with the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, targeted the Russian large amphibious assault ship Caesar Kunikov in the Black Sea.