Developers of the Marichka Underwater Drone Reveal Some of Its Characteristics

The developers of the Marichka heavy unmanned underwater vehicle, Aquatechnik, have revealed some of its technical characteristics.

This was reported in the podcast “To Arms” on “Militarnyi.”

It is noted that the vehicle has a range of up to 1,000 kilometers, a payload of about one ton, and a maximum speed of up to 10 kilometers per hour.

The underwater drone is equipped with an inertial navigation system. Aquatech emphasizes that the device’s low visibility to enemy detection systems is ensured by special hull material and low-noise engines.

Marichka is capable of stopping at specified coordinates, remaining in standby mode for up to a week, and, after receiving a command, attacking a specified target.

The drone’s combat unit can be adapted to specific tasks, such as destroying ships or port infrastructure.

In addition, with the installation of appropriate equipment, it can be used for reconnaissance.

The device has not yet been used in combat operations, but it is undergoing active testing and refinement, particularly in terms of navigation systems and power plants.

In general, not much is known about Marichka. It was first publicly presented in August 2023, when successful tests were announced.

Aquatechnik products

Aquatechnik has developed a line of unmanned sea and river vehicles for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, capable of performing a wide range of tasks. Engineers are currently working on four types of hulls: Viir, Harpoon, Dzyga, and Khoriv 2.0.

Back in 2023, the company’s specialists created a slow-moving drone with a fiber-optic communication channel and a combat unit weighing 20–25 kilograms, manufacturing its hull using 3D printing.

With the growth of practical experience, Aquatechnik began developing its own electronics, as well as new types of drones suitable for use in both river and sea waters.

Unmanned vehicles with fiber optic communication are capable of operating at distances of 15 to 50 kilometers.

For tasks at greater distances, an alternative type of communication is used, which provides a range of 80–100 kilometers.