Ukraine unveils plans for unique maritime defense line
Ukraine is developing a new technological solution to protect its southern city of Odesa (photo: ssu.gov.ua)
A new defense line using interceptor drones is planned to protect Odesa and the surrounding Black Sea region, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
New technology to protect Odesa region
The president states that the new solution involves deploying interceptor drones from various platforms, including direct launches from unmanned surface vessels.
The new defense line is intended to provide reliable protection for Odesa and the surrounding region against enemy threats.
Zelenskyy stressed that the introduction of such technologies is a response to current security challenges and will further strengthen Ukraine's naval capabilities.
"I believe the most important asset Ukraine has today in the naval domain is the experience we are gaining every single day," the president said.
Robotic boats, defense of Odesa
Previously, reports emerged that Danish company BlueShadow has developed the Blue Dragon system, designed to protect Ukraine's coastal regions from aerial attacks launched from the sea. The project envisions a swarm of autonomous unmanned surface vessels capable of intercepting and destroying drones 10 to 20 kilometers offshore.
BlueShadow founder Charles Maher explained the project's current stage and described the technical components of the unique platform. According to him, the system will integrate with Ukraine's Delta and Kropyva command-and-control systems, allowing the vessels to make independent decisions during combat.
Maher also explained how the Danish technology will replace personnel on patrol duties and how many operators are needed to control such a fleet. The platform is designed to operate at sea around the clock, with a team of just five people on shore overseeing a squadron of 12 robotic vessels.
