Russians Mine Dnipro River Using Sirius-82 Surface Drone

Russian forces are laying anchored river mines (YaRM) on the Dnipro River using an unmanned surface vessel.

The Russian Voenny Osvedomitel propaganda channel published the video.

The Sirius-82 surface drone is used for the mining operation. Based on the footage, two anchored river mines are carried aboard the platform and released into the water after the retaining latches are unlocked.

The Sirius-82 has been publicly presented for the first time. Visually, it appears to be a compact, lightweight surface craft powered by rechargeable batteries.

An analog communications system is used for control and video transmission.

Control is carried out using a joystick similar to those used for FPV drones.

Other technical characteristics of the unmanned boat remain unknown.

YaRM

The YaRM (anchored river mine) is a Soviet-era high-explosive mine designed to destroy enemy landing craft when deployed in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

The mine consists of a body, an explosive fuze with a contact crosspiece, and an anchoring mechanism that keeps it fixed at a set depth.

After being dropped into the water, a sugar-based delay element in the fuze gradually dissolves, placing the mine into an armed state.

The mine detonates when a vessel comes into contact with the crosspiece of the main fuze.

The disposal of such mines is prohibited. Neutralization involves either on-site detonation of the explosive charge or dredging operations conducted under strict safety procedures.

The total weight of the mine is 13 kilograms, including 3 kilograms of TNT.