Ukrainian naval drones: a growing threat to Russian forces in Black Sea.

According to information published by Первый Севастопольский on May 21, 2024, Ukraine launched a attack on Sevastopol, marking one of the largest confrontations yet. Russian air defenses recorded over 100 aerial targets, including missiles and drones, in southern Russia.
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Ukrainian naval drone destroyed by Russian helicopter. (Picture source: Russian MoD)

On May 18, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Black Sea Fleet had destroyed 25 Ukrainian unmanned boats over the previous 24 hours. Ukraine is intensifying its capabilities to target Black Sea Fleet vessels.

Lacking a strong naval force, the Ukrainian military, with guidance from British advisors, is refining tactics for using unmanned boats. Public awareness of such weaponry began in 2022, when images surfaced of a remote-controlled boat loaded with explosives that had been diverted and neutralized using electronic warfare.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has released footage showing helicopters patrolling and detecting maritime drones, even at night using night vision equipment. Detecting and neutralizing these drones in open waters has not been particularly challenging—until recently. Following the May attack, images of neutralized boats revealed launch rails for anti-aircraft missiles, suggesting that these maritime drones can now defend against airborne threats.

It has been noted that these drones use R-73 air-to-air missiles with infrared homing heads. These missiles can counter aerial intercepts but are vulnerable from the sides or rear.

The evolution of this weaponry could lead to new tactics. These drones could be used as stationary minefields near Sevastopol, Belbek, or Novofedorivka, drifting close to shore and posing a serious threat to aircraft taking off from nearby airfields if undetected.

Military analysts suggest these technologies could also be used against Ukrainian forces. While Ukraine lacks significant naval assets, these drones could serve as missile platforms, creating a threat to aviation operations near Odessa and Mykolaiv.