Ukraine is mass-producing sea drones capable of carrying up to one ton of explosives in an effort to retake Crimea from Russia. The drones are a new generation developed by the SBU in collaboration with other Security and Defense Forces. These drones have proven effective in targeting enemy warships, including in Sevastopol Bay. Ukraine’s goal is to destroy bridges connecting Russian supply chains to Crimea, which serve as a major operational hub for Russia.
The Ukrainian Navy has made significant gains against its Russian counterpart, pushing back the Black Sea Fleet from valuable coastal positions. The use of sea drones, particularly the “Sea Baby” drone, has been key in achieving these successes. These drones have been used to attack the Crimean Bridge, causing structural damage. Despite this, Russia continues to utilize the bridge. Ukraine has made the destruction of the bridge a priority, as it helps to even out the disproportionate funding that threatens to tip the advantage towards Russia.
The Mamai’s high speeds, along with the versatility of the Sea Baby drone, have increased Ukraine’s reliance on drones as the main tool of its counteroffensive. The cost of a drone is around a quarter-million dollars, but it has the ability to damage warships worth much more. Made of radar-invisible material, the drones have helped Ukraine address the cost-benefit imbalance of the war. Ukraine also utilizes a “fast” kamikaze surface drone called the Cossack Mamai, which can reach speeds of 62 miles per hour.
Ukraine has expanded its reliance on drones to land and air operations as well. Drones have been used to carry out direct attacks on Russian personnel, including an attempt to hit the Kremlin. While Kyiv did not officially take credit for the attack, the U.S. believes that Ukrainian intelligence or special military forces were likely behind it. The drones used by Ukraine, including the Mamai, are equipped with observational equipment and bulletproof materials, making them effective tools in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The use of drones has been part of Ukraine’s strategy to combat Russian aggression in the region. The SBU has developed these drones to target key enemy assets, including warships and infrastructure such as bridges. Ukraine has made efforts to improve and scale up its drone capabilities in order to clear the Black Sea from the enemy. The Sea Baby drone has been especially effective in targeting key enemy assets, highlighting Ukraine’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology in its military operations.
Overall, the use of sea drones has proven to be a crucial tactic in Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian aggression and retake control of Crimea. The development and mass production of these drones have enabled Ukraine to target key enemy assets, disrupt supply chains, and push back against Russian military forces. With ongoing advancements in drone technology, Ukraine continues to strengthen its position in the conflict and remains committed to using innovative strategies to achieve its military objectives.
