Ukraine prepares sea drones for new missions in Black Sea
Photo: Katran sea drone (Getty Images)
Ukraine is developing a new system for sea drones that will allow them not to destroy but to detain and confiscate sanctioned vessels in the Black Sea, stated the commander of a HUR (Defense Intelligence of Ukraine) unit with the callsign "Ninth" in an interview with Business Insider.
Police-type missions for drones
According to the commander, the purpose of the upgraded drones is to intercept ships carrying stolen goods, weapons, or sanctioned oil, and to subsequently tow them to port.
"If they comply, they will be escorted to a designated port where the vessel and cargo can be seized under international law. If they refuse, other measures may follow," said "Ninth."
This tactic will significantly expand the role of the multi-purpose naval drone Katran, developed by the Ukrainian company Military Armored Company HUB.
The commander believes this method is more humane than the complete destruction of ships with unknown cargo.
Modernization and evolution of tactics
Initially, the Katran, like other Ukrainian drones, was designed as a strike boat filled with explosives to target Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
However, it has since undergone significant modifications, including the addition of machine guns and surface-to-air missiles.
HUR predicts that in the future, some drones will be able to seize control of a ship’s deck and temporarily detain the crew, while others provide air cover for the operation.
If a vessel resists, it could be sunk within seconds.
Updates to Ukrainian air defense and new drones
Earlier today, Ukraine received Swedish Giraffe radar systems from Saab. These stations can detect cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones at distances of up to 100 kilometers, and can also track surface targets at sea.
It was also reported today that the Ukrainian company TAF Industries has begun producing the Octopus-100 interceptor drone. The new system is designed to destroy Russian jet-powered Shahed drones and other high-speed aerial targets in conditions of enemy electronic warfare.
In addition, the Ukrainian defense company General Chereshnya presented a new reconnaissance drone called Sweetheart. This fixed-wing UAV was developed jointly with the military for reconnaissance missions deep in enemy territory.
