Ukraine Intelligence Service SBU equips Sea Baby naval drones with Grad rocket launchers.

According to information published by Radio Svoboda on May 21, 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has upgraded its Sea Baby maritime drones to include Grad multiple rocket launcher systems. The drones, in coordination with the Ukrainian Navy, successfully targeted Russian positions on the Kinburn Spit during a nighttime operation.
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Ukrainian multi-purpose unmanned surface vehicle Sea Baby fitted with Grad Rocket Launcher. (Picture source: Ukrainian SBU)

The Grad system, renowned for its destructive power and versatility, consists of 122mm rockets launched from a truck-mounted system. Transposing this system onto a Sea Baby drone transforms the operational utility of the USV, making it a potent naval asset. The Sea Baby’s compact size, high maneuverability, and reduced radar visibility make it an ideal platform for launching surprise attacks against maritime targets.

Fitting the Grad rocket system onto the Sea Baby involves adapting the launch mechanism to the drone’s smaller, more agile platform. This likely includes modifying the rocket tubes to fit the drone's dimensions and ensuring that the launching mechanism can operate effectively in a maritime environment.

The rockets’ range and payload capacity must be balanced against the drone’s buoyancy and maneuverability. The Sea Baby can carry configurations of two, four, or six rockets, providing flexibility for different mission profiles.

The primary advantage of this integration is the ability to conduct rapid, unexpected strikes against enemy vessels. The Sea Baby’s stealth capabilities allow it to approach targets undetected, launch its payload, and retreat or conduct further maneuvers.

This hit-and-run tactic can create significant disruption, forcing enemy ships to engage a small, fast-moving target while under fire from rockets. This not only causes physical damage but also serves to distract and stress enemy personnel, reducing their overall combat effectiveness.

Deploying Sea Baby drones equipped with Grad rockets in naval operations enhances Ukraine's ability to challenge larger and more technologically advanced naval forces. The psychological impact of these drones is substantial; their unpredictability and the potential for high-damage attacks force enemy fleets to adopt more cautious and defensive postures, thereby limiting their operational freedom. The use of Sea Baby drones in this capacity aligns with asymmetric warfare strategies, maximizing impact with relatively low-cost and expendable assets.

The main challenges in this integration involve ensuring the stability and accuracy of rocket launches from a moving platform on water. Additionally, the drone's control systems must be sophisticated enough to handle the recoil and other physical stresses of launching rockets.