The Ukrainian Navy received naval drones equipped with strike FPV drones
The Ukrainian Navy has received unmanned naval "drone carriers" equipped with strike FPV drones. This was announced in a video of their use published on December 7, 2024, on the official Facebook page of the Ukrainian Navy. This public modification of Ukrainian naval drones was first demonstrated during an attack on enemy-held gas platforms in the Black Sea.
In addition to the traditional kamikaze drones, the Ukrainian Navy also used FPV drones based on naval drones to destroy the platforms. The video captures that the FPVs are equipped with an airburst system, which is well suited for hitting important "soft" targets, such as electronic warfare systems and radars.
Airburst of an FPV drone over a target.
Freeze frame from the video of the Ukrainian Navy
In addition, the video also captures an FPV drone attack directly on the Russian military who were on the platform.
The moment of the pursuit of Russian infantry by an FPV drone. Photo credits: Ukrainian Navy
The video recorded that the naval drone carrier underwent certain changes in the hull geometry, which were probably necessary to accommodate and control the UAV. Given the video's quality, it is impossible to say what changes the marine drone's design has undergone, but we can assume that FPV drones are placed inside the hull.
And if necessary, a hatch opens from which they fly out. This allows both the protection of the UAV from external aggressive sea conditions and the disguise of the drone carrier among ordinary kamikazes.
Naval drone carrier. Freeze frame from the video of the Ukrainian Navy
Later that day, volunteer Serhii Sternenko posted a photo of an FPV that was allegedly used during the night attack.
FPV drone integrated into a naval drone.
Photo credits: Serhii Sternenko
"Those FPV drones that were used at sea at night with integration with USV were paid for by you!" he said. This is not the first modification of Ukrainian naval strike drones. It was previously reported that marine drones were equipped with underwater mines and surface-to-air missiles.
With the advent of FPV naval drones, not only enemy ships and maritime infrastructure are now under threat, but also coastal facilities such as radars, air defense systems, coastal airfields in Crimea - Belbek, Kacha, and Saki, and other important "soft" targets.
In addition, maritime drones will now be able to actively counteract the invaders' naval aviation, which often uses helicopters to intercept Ukrainian attack drones.
They will also be able to target important systems of surface ships selectively, such as radar, artillery, and machine guns used to destroy maritime drones.