From Ars Technica · · 1m 20s
Ukrainian drone sinks Russian kamikaze boat
In a first-ever clash of naval drones, Ukraine's Sargan-3000 destroys a Russian Orcan explosive vessel in the Black Sea.
In brief
In a first-ever clash of naval drones, Ukraine's Sargan-3000 destroys a Russian Orcan explosive vessel in the Black Sea. Drone-on-drone combat is now a reality in warfare, with Ukraine successfully using armed naval drones to counter Russian unmanned threats. Originally reported by Ars Technica.
First drone boat battle
On September 12, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence detected a Russian Orcan explosive drone boat in the Black Sea and sent a Ukrainian Navy drone to intercept it.
Russian Orcan design
The Russian Orcan is an uncrewed surface vessel with a jet ski-type steerable water jet, designed to ram targets and explode on impact.
Ukrainian Sargan-3000 specs
The Ukrainian Sargan-3000 reaches speeds of 40 to 55 knots, travels up to 1,600 kilometers, and carries a 450-kilogram payload with a 12.7mm machine gun turret.
The engagement unfolds
From 1 kilometer away, the Sargan-3000 fired on the Russian drone, disabling its communications antenna before sinking it with sustained machine gun fire.
“"It was inevitable that there would be USV-on-USV combat. We have seen the same in the air and on the ground."”
Ukraine's drone strategy
Ukraine has deployed drone boats to wage asymmetric warfare against Russia's Black Sea Fleet, sinking ships and forcing others into port while targeting oil tankers and supply vessels.
Broader drone warfare trend
Drone boats are now used globally, from US military operations against Iranian targets to Romanian jets disabling Russian drones near European gas platforms.
The takeaway
Drone-on-drone combat is now a reality in warfare, with Ukraine successfully using armed naval drones to counter Russian unmanned threats.
