Katran VENOM: Ukraine’s torpedo-launching sea drone built for modern naval warfare

Defense Express reported the information.

Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, confirmed the use of the new Ukrainian sea drone, Katran VENOM. It was developed by the Military Armored Company HUB, a participant in the Brave1 platform.

The drone is equipped with two torpedoes under its wings, a Minigun machine gun at the front for ground targets, a Browning machine gun on a turret for air defense, and two Piorun MANPADS on the turret for targeting aerial threats.

However, it is important to note that this list of weapons is likely just a selection of potential payloads that could be mounted on the Katran VENOM. The drone will carry only the necessary weapons for the specific mission, not all at once.

The Katran drone is equipped with: a radio-electronic warfare and reconnaissance system, a laser irradiation warning system, and a countermeasure system for launching thermal and smoke flares that can deflect missiles with infrared guidance or laser-guided artillery shells.

The VENOM drone reaches speeds of up to 130 km/h and can travel 1500 km. It has an automatic target acquisition system with tracking. Unlike other Ukrainian drones, VENOM uses two submerged engines instead of one.

Control can be done through any satellite internet antenna. The drone is equipped with an observation system featuring both daytime and thermal cameras with 30x optical zoom, as well as a directional system with the same camera setup.

The type of torpedoes for VENOM is not disclosed, but Sweden previously supplied Ukraine with underwater weapons, possibly guided Torped 47 or SLWT torpedoes, capable of patrolling target areas and destroying ships and submarines.

Considering the Minister's statement on the combat use of the Katran VENOM, it's worth mentioning a video featuring an unknown Ukrainian drone launching what is likely a torpedo or a smaller marine drone. Many Telegram channels speculated that the drone in the video could be the Katran VENOM.

The manufacturer emphasizes that VENOM is designed for missions targeting small vessels, landing craft, and water drones. It can also support air and maritime operations and conduct reconnaissance over long distances.

The drone is operated from a specialized station equipped with an operator’s chair, joysticks, a monitor, keyboard, computer mouse, and a virtual reality headset displaying key information, maps, and views from all onboard cameras.

• The Katran drone, developed by Ukraine’s Military Armored Company HUB, can strike at sea, land, and air with a variety of weapons, explains the Ukrainian minister.