World First: Ukraine’s Newest Naval Drone In Unique Attack On Russian Positions – Naval News

Ukrainian uncrewed surface drones (USVs) are dominating combat in the Black Sea few would have predicted. The much larger, and better equipped, Russian Navy has been pushed back to its distant port of Novorossiysk. And Russia could not easily reinforce its strategic overseas base at Tartus in Syria because its ‘Syrian Express’ shipping route had stopped sailing. Both of these outcomes has been in a large part down to the threat of Ukrainian USVs.

The Ukrainian Navy (VMS ZSU) recently revealed a completely new type of USV which adds several previously unseen features. This new design, as yet unnamed in public, adds small aerial drones, and possibly mines, to the capabilities of USVs. And it has already proven them in action.

The new USV appears larger than previously seen ‘Magura‘ and ‘Sea Baby‘ designs, which allows it to deploy more systems. It simultaneously carries a ramming charge in the bow, and a hangar in the stern which is likely for laying mines. Amidships there is a covered hangar amidships with at least four quadrotor drones (UAVs). These are FPV type, meaning that pilot wears goggles. Once launched the drones are controlled by pilots ashore, likely sitting in the same bunker as the USV’s pilot.

The Innovative Raid On The Gas Platforms

The unique capabilities of the new drone have allowed the Ukrainian Navy to perform a sophisticated attack on Russian positions on gas platforms in the Black Sea. The clusters of offshore platforms which litter the northwest Black Sea have become the front line of the naval battles of the Russo-Ukraine war.  They sit in the middle between Russian and Ukrainian controlled territory, between Odesa and Crimea.  Both sides have occupied them at times, installing various sensor systems. And both sides have struck them repeatedly. Some have been burning since 2022.

Recently Russia returned to some of the platforms and reinstalled surveillance equipment and, it is is suspected, GPS jammers. Around December 6 the Ukrainian Navy conducted a fresh raid to dislodge them, using the new USVs.

Video footage of the attack, released by the Ukrainian Navy, shows a multi-pronged attack. The USVs launched small quadrotor drones (UAVs) which could reconnoitre the target. The UAVs were then used to directly attack the platforms, targeting the Russian sensors directly. Another struck the Russian team installing them.

Then, using another unique capability, the drones are seen reversing up to the platforms. Although the next stage is not shown, the logical explanation is that this allowed them to drop an explosive charge directly next to the platform’s supports. This was possibly a time delayed, or depth delayed, charge. Since the USV was already pointing away from the platforms it would be able to accelerate away to safety.

It is unclear if the USVs then rammed the platforms to deliver their final charge, or whether they returned home to fight another day. Other USVs seen in Ukrainian service are one-way attack vessels only, but this new type has the option of returning to base if circumstances permit.

Strategic Significance Of Continued Development Of USVs

Russia’s efforts to reinstall surveillance sensors  on the  platforms is likely part of a new wave of attacks on the Ukrainian coast. Russia is attempting to regain control of the northwest Black Sea and inflict damage on the Ukrainian Navy. Before this mission it seemed likely that Russia would further intensify attacks on Odesa. These would likely employing new weapons and tactics. That may still occur, but the success of this raid may have at least knocked these plans.

The new USV is also significant because it appears to be operated by the Ukrainian Navy. While it is no surprise that the Navy operates USVs, offensive missions have previously been dominated by the SBU and GUR intelligence agencies. These operate the famous ‘Sea Baby’ and ‘Magura V5’ USVs respectively. Possibly we will see more strike missions by the Navy in future.

Other USV operators are also continuing to develop their vessels, adding new capabilities. The SBU recently revealed that some of its ‘Sea Baby’ vessels have a machinegun which is slaved to the ectro-optical sensor. This has allowed them to engage helicopters and assault boats used by the Russians to defend against the USVs. They even shot at a Russian Flanker fighter jet. Previously the SBU had innovated by attaching rockets to their USVs.

The USV threat will continue to evolve. The next chapter in the naval war in the Black Sea, which is already dominated by the tale of the USVs, will likely see more innovation. Possibly Russia will use its own designs more aggressively. But for the moment Ukraine appears to retain its lead.