Ukrainian unmanned surface vehicles have been outfitted with torpedoes or smaller kamikaze drones to strike surface targets in the Black Sea.

Several Russian “military correspondents” shared a video showcasing the use of such a drone.

According to their reports, the video was captured during an attack by Ukrainian maritime drones on gas production infrastructure in the Black Sea.

In the video, the Ukrainian naval drone appears to launch either a smaller drone or a light torpedo at the target before turning back. Unfortunately, the video quality does not allow for a precise determination of the exact type of munition used.

According to Russian propagandists, the weapon was reportedly carried by a Magura-Venom unmanned surface vehicle, which is said to be equipped with twin MANPADS and two machine guns. However, no verifiable information about the existence of such a drone has been found in the public domain.

At the same time, the statement was accompanied by a graphic image of a KATRAN “VENOM” unmanned surface vehicle. However, the drone captured in the video displays notable design differences from the illustration. As a result, it remains unclear which naval drone was actually modified.

Evolution of Ukrainian maritime drones

Since their first use in the Black Sea in June 2023, Ukrainian maritime drones have evolved from conventional kamikaze drones filled with explosives to multifunctional, reusable unmanned surface vehicles.

Drones equipped with naval mines, machine guns, unguided rockets, surface-to-air missiles, and even maritime drones with FPV drones have already been successfully deployed.

As previously reported, the United Kingdom is developing Wasp and Snapper maritime drones to support Ukrainian capabilities in the Black Sea.

The Ministry of Defense also published technical requirements for the munitions, including an 80 kg high-explosive (HE) warhead, a range of 80-100 km, and the ability to attack both surface and coastal targets.

Additionally, the integration of machine guns, man-portable air defense systems, and longer-range missiles will be considered. Initially, production of 2-3 vessels per month is expected within six months of the order.

The purchase of new drones is due to begin in the first quarter of 2025, with the simultaneous procurement of hundreds of munitions to be tested in late 2025 and early 2026.

At the same time, Ukraine is developing other types of maritime drones, including Toloka underwater drones.