British Storm Shadow missiles inflicted “catastrophic damage” on a Russian submarine docked in Crimea, according to reports.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the Rostov-on-Don, thought to be one of Russia’s most formidable naval assets, would take years to return to service. Repairs are expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

It continued: “The loss of the Rostov removes one of the [Black Sea Fleet’s] four cruise-missile submarines which have played a major role in striking Ukraine and projecting Russian power.

“There is a realistic possibility that the complex task of removing the wreckage from the dry docks will place them out of use for many months.”

Ukrainian and British sources confirmed the Storm Shadow missiles had landed on target. Russia’s defence ministry said three rockets had slipped through its air defences but did not specify their origin.