Submarine Rostov on Don suffers critical damage: new photos reveal extent of September 13 attack.

According to information published by Українська правда on September 18, 2023, recent photos have surfaced, revealing the extensive damage to the diesel-electric submarine "Rostov-na-Donu" following the attack on the night of September 13.
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Russian submarine Rostov on Don after the Ukrainian attack. (Picture source: Conflict Intelligence Team)

The submarine endured two hits. The first, located on the top bow, had previously been identified by experts using satellite imagery. The second hit the right side of the vessel, an area behind the conning tower.

The torpedo and living compartments were affected, as well as possibly the auxiliary rooms behind them and the battery compartments. The external photos don't clarify the extent of damage to other sections – it largely depends on whether the hatches between the compartments were closed.

Given the degree of the damages, the expert believes that the submarine will most likely be out of commission for the war's duration. In terms of potential repairs, the submarine would need to be transported to the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg.

However, such extensive repairs might not be feasible. Instead, constructing a new vessel of the same class might be more practical.

About the submarine

The "Rostov on Don" is a submarine with a displacement of 2,300 tons when surfaced and 3,040 tons when submerged. She measures 76.2 meters in length and has a draught of 6.5 meters.

The submarine uses a diesel-electric propulsion system, consisting of two 1,000 kW diesel generators and a propulsion motor that generates between 5,500 to 6,800 shp.

Rostov on Don can reach speeds of 10-12 knots on the surface and 17-25 knots when submerged. The submarine can operate for up to 45 days and has a maximum test depth of 300 meters.

She can accommodate a crew of 52. In terms of armament, the submarine is equipped with six 553 mm torpedo tubes, 18 torpedoes, 24 mines, 8 SA-N-8 Gremlin or 8 SA-N-10 Gimlet surface-to-air missiles, and can deploy the Kalibr/Club missile system.