Exclusive: Russia unveils kamikaze naval drone Marlin to counter enemy drone boats - landing craft - naval mines.

Russia has introduced a new lightweight unmanned surface vessel (USV) named Marlin, developed as a compact kamikaze drone boat capable of targeting enemy unmanned boats, amphibious landing craft, and naval mines. The innovative system, created by the Baltic Higher Naval School named after Admiral Ushakov, reflects the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern naval warfare and Russia’s strategic push to counter evolving maritime threats.
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The Marlin is a compact Russian kamikaze unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed to destroy enemy drone boats, landing craft, and naval mines. Small enough for mass deployment aboard warships, it carries up to 2 kg of explosives and operates with FPV-style remote control for precision targeting. (Picture source: IZ.ru)

The Marlin USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel) comes in two distinct versions tailored for different environments: a riverine variant equipped with a 1.5 kg explosive charge and a seaborne version carrying a larger 2 kg warhead. Its compact size enables the deployment of multiple units aboard a single warship, significantly increasing operational flexibility and allowing for mass attacks or swarm tactics against enemy vessels and installations. Due to its expendable nature and lower cost, Marlin provides a practical and efficient solution for neutralizing threats that would otherwise require the use of high-value munitions or more expensive platforms.

Control of the Marlin is similar to that of FPV (first-person view) drones. The operator remotely pilots the vessel using real-time video feedback, guiding it with precision toward its designated target. This method of control enhances the vessel's operational accuracy, making it suitable for complex missions such as clearing minefields or engaging enemy USVs before they reach critical naval assets.

Military analysts in Russia have emphasized the tactical value of Marlin, particularly in its role as a defensive countermeasure against enemy kamikaze drones. Captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin explained that even a small explosive payload aboard Marlin can effectively neutralize a larger enemy drone carrying several hundred kilograms of explosives, offering a safer and more reliable alternative than attempting to intercept such threats with helicopter sorties or ship-mounted weapons.

The emergence of the Marlin coincides with increased usage of unmanned platforms in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where both Russian and Ukrainian forces have incorporated USVs into their operations. Ukraine has utilized these platforms to deliver aerial drones and conduct attacks on Russian naval targets, accelerating a shift in naval warfare toward remote-controlled and autonomous solutions.

To adapt to these changing conditions, the Russian Navy has integrated anti-drone warfare into its training programs. A new combat readiness initiative, known as the Counter-Robot Protection (PRZ) program, trains crews to respond to both aerial and maritime drone threats using upgraded onboard weapons, including large-caliber machine guns, anti-drone shotguns, night vision systems, and other specialized equipment.

The unveiling of Marlin complements Russia’s broader efforts to modernize its drone fleet. In parallel, the country has begun serial production of heavier, multi-purpose unmanned boats such as the Vizir, which features autonomous navigation powered by artificial intelligence and the capability to carry reconnaissance equipment, cargo, or guided weaponry. Additional USVs have also been introduced with payload capacities of up to 20 kg and can be configured for kamikaze missions or as drone launch platforms.

Though specific performance metrics of Marlin remain classified, its development signals a clear move toward leveraging cost-effective and rapidly deployable unmanned systems to address emerging threats at sea. As the maritime domain becomes increasingly dominated by unmanned warfare technologies, platforms like Marlin are poised to play a crucial role in future naval engagements.