Previously Unknown Russian Surface Drone (USV) Found In Black Sea
A surface drone (USV) has been found off the coast of Romania, drifting close to the Neptun Alpha drilling platform. As the vessel began to drift away it was hit by cannon fire from a Romanian Air Force F-16 fighter. It was subsequently destroyed by EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) personnel. The black-painted craft appeared to be dead in the water, with seagulls gathering on its hull. It is reported to be of Russian origin.
Similar in size to other USVs operated by both sides in the Black Sea, this appears to be a previously unreported type. It is not closely related to the Russian Navy-linked model of USV observed during raids on Odesa.
There are no signs of impact fuses on the bow so it may not have been carrying an explosive ram-warhead. However there is a large hinged hangar in the forward hull so it may have been equipped with missiles or aerial drones of some sort.
Key: A) flat antenna, possibly satellite communications such as StarLink B) hangar C) commercial surface navigation radar D) flat antenna, possibly satellite communications such as StarLink E) fixed flat forward facing antenna, possibly air-search radar F) MESH radio antenna G) Electro-optical sensor.
Russian USVs have become more prevalent and more threatening in the Black Sea. However, their inability to use StarLink and Ukrainian countermeasures have at least blunted their potential in Russian hands. Ukrainian USVs however, remain a serious threat and shaping tool throughout the Black Sea despite high attrition, and have recently come into their own disabling sanctioned tankers.
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Guide to Russia’s naval drones (USVs)
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Ukraine’s long-ranged attack drones (OWA-UAVs)