Ukrainian Intelligence Unveils Naval Drone Carriers Used in Crimea Strikes

Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) has revealed the use of specialized unmanned naval drone carriers for strike missions in the Black Sea, including attacks on targets in Russian-occupied Crimea.

The platforms were shown in the new documentary “Sea Battle. The Age of Drones” by Ukrainian journalist and filmmaker Artem Shevchenko. The footage provides the first look at two distinct types of naval drone carriers operated by the GUR.

According to the documentary, the Directorate is assembling a flotilla of sea-based unmanned systems. Central to this effort are platforms adapted to launch loitering munitions — primarily FPV kamikaze drones — enabling precision strikes against both maritime and land-based targets.

One of the newly revealed models is equipped with a conventional propeller engine rather than a waterjet, and is fitted with four launch containers for FPV drones. A special forces reconnaissance unit familiar with the system told Shevchenko:

“Our sea platform carries from 500 to 3,000 kilograms of weapons of various types: air, surface, and underwater. The system combines the latest technologies with NATO-style artificial intelligence.”

A second model, less clearly shown, features a completely different hull design and is equipped with a launcher for four fixed-wing, aircraft-type drones. This platform is believed to have been used by GUR’s elite Prymary unit in multiple long-range missions against Russian targets in Crimea.

Notably, the same type of drone was reportedly involved in the April 2025 strikes that destroyed several Russian combat boats and a Tor-M2 air defense system near the occupied peninsula’s coast.

Both drone carriers were seen equipped with Starlink satellite terminals, enabling extended-range operations and persistent connectivity across the Black Sea battlespace.

The documentary also showcased the drone control station, including an aviation-style operator’s chair, helm-like steering device, and a throttle-style lever. Several buttons are visible on the helm, one of which is believed to control pitch stabilization.

Visual feeds from the drone’s day/night cameras are streamed directly into the operator’s augmented reality (AR) headset and mirrored on a rear monitor for situational awareness among support personnel. The AR interface integrates multiple camera views into a panoramic field of vision and also includes thermal imaging overlays from forward and aft sensors.

Intelligence officers noted that those unmanned carriers currently enable combined-arms maritime operations, allowing for not only coordinated drone strikes but also air cover for raids and amphibious insertions.

The capability is especially critical as GUR Special Forces continue conducting sabotage landings and raids behind enemy lines in the Black Sea theater.