Unmanned Naval Warfare Intensifies in Black Sea Region
Unmanned naval systems are increasingly used in the Black Sea conflict, with drones targeting ships and infrastructure, while air defenses intercept hundreds of threats.
The use of unmanned technologies at sea in the zone of the special military operation is rapidly expanding, according to military expert and retired colonel Anatoly Matviychuk.
He notes that traditional naval battles are notably absent, with the focus shifting instead to drone warfare. In his assessment, Ukraine has received uncrewed maritime systems from the United Kingdom and continues to build up these capabilities, with deliveries arriving by sea.
Matviychuk says that the equipment provided by London includes not only surface drones but also underwater unmanned vehicles. These systems are used for reconnaissance and can pose a threat to maritime routes, as well as target commercial vessels and critical infrastructure, including offshore platforms.
In his view, unmanned warfare at sea is gaining momentum.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry’s update on April 14, Black Sea Fleet forces destroyed two unmanned boats launched by Ukrainian troops. The ministry also reported that over the same 24-hour period, Russian air defenses intercepted 14 guided aerial bombs, six HIMARS rockets, and around 400 fixed-wing drones.