Russia ramps up development of naval drones — Ukrainian intel

Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service reported the information.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the council will support projects such as the unmanned boats Katran, Skvorets VMF, and Vizir, as well as control systems, communications, and software solutions.

Clear deadlines have already been set: by the end of August — selection of technologies; by the end of October — testing. After that, the formation of a state order, the launch of serial production, and the official adoption of the new equipment into service will begin.

Ukrainian maritime drones have demonstrated their effectiveness in real combat conditions, particularly during attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea. This has led to significant losses in the Russian fleet, complicating their ability to control sea routes. Ukraine continues to improve these technologies, including developing new models with enhanced combat characteristics and greater capabilities for long-range raids.

Maritime drones have become an important element of Ukraine’s maritime defense strategy, and their development is actively supported by international partners who supply technologies to improve these systems.

• On December 31, 2024, soldiers of the special unit Group 13 of the Main Intelligence Directorate for the first time in history struck two Russian Mi-8 helicopters using Magura V5 strike maritime drones.