How Ukraine's sea drones are threatening Russian ships in Crimea

Ukraine has ushered in a new era of naval warfare by employing innovative sea drones armed with explosives, signaling a significant shift in the conflict with Russia.

Reports indicate that Ukraine's counteroffensive in Crimea is increasingly reliant on these naval drones and long-range missile strikes, posing a formidable challenge for the Russian forces stationed in and around the peninsula.

Russia targeted Odesa, Ukraine, with missiles and drones before dawn on Tuesday, a day after an apparent Ukrainian strike damaged an important Russian bridge and the Kremlin halted a deal for safe passage of grain ships on the Black Sea. https://t.co/37sOoQWNhd

— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 19, 2023

The United 24 Sea drone

• The United 24 naval drone, a remote-controlled kamikaze bomb boat, has emerged as a game-changer in the ongoing conflict.
• These sharp-prowed speed boats, measuring around 5.5 meters in length, are equipped with navigation technology, communication arrays, and a petrol-driven water jet sourced from Canadian firm Sea Doo, typically used in civilian jet skis.
• Additionally, two pressure detonators at the bow from Soviet-designed aerial bombs have been incorporated, making these drones highly effective and cost-efficient tools for Ukraine's maritime attacks.

To hit the Kerch Bridge, Ukraine may have used a new type of small, hard-to-detect kamikaze sea drone carrying up to 500 kg of explosives and travelling slowly in "low-noise mode": Defense Express https://t.co/b4wTtveptj#Ukraine #UkraineCounteroffensive #Crimea #KerchBridge pic.twitter.com/pF8MwE8cM9

— 🇺🇦Ukraine Resists Russian Genocide... Yeah Again (@ArmedMaidan) July 17, 2023

• The vessel also has a load of explosives onboard that explode after it hits a surface.
• These drones are a result of President Zelenskiy's initiated crowdfunding initiative in 2022, which aimed to make a group of maritime unmanned vehicles to counter Russian missile attacks originating from the Black Sea. Hence, the name.

The potent threat

• The deployment of sea drones by Ukraine has proven highly successful in targeting Russian fleets and infrastructure in Sevastopol, where the Russian Black Sea fleet is stationed.
• The ability of these uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to carry substantial explosive payloads and strike at the waterline of ships makes them more dangerous than traditional aerial weapons like missiles and bombs.
• Furthermore, their relatively low cost ($250,000) allows for large-scale attacks that are difficult for Russian warships to detect and counter effectively.

ALSO READ: Russia finally gets a taste of Ukraine war as drones strike Moscow

The Ukrainian sea drone attacks on Sevastopol harbour and the Kerch road bridge have inflicted damage on Russian warships and disrupted crucial transportation arteries, forcing Russia to enhance security measures in Crimean ports.

While the attacks on the Kerch road bridge have exposed its vulnerability, Russia has struggled to secure this vital logistical link, despite its best efforts.

Russian response

• Russia is very much aware of the threat posed by naval drones and is taking measures to safeguard its naval assets and critical infrastructure.
• Although no ships were sunk in the attacks on Sevastopol harbour, the damage inflicted on at least two ships and the drone's penetration of heavily guarded waters demonstrated the seriousness of the threat.

• As a result, Russia has intensified security at the entrance to the military port of Sevastopol and around its warships based there.
• Russian strategies include incorporating meshes, pontoons, and other obstacles, alongside employing trained dolphins capable of identifying hostile divers.
• Moreover, Russia has resorted to camouflage techniques reminiscent of World War One "dazzle" camouflage to thwart drone and satellite identification of vital ships.

ALSO READ: Russian fighter jet forces down US military drone: What really happened over the Black Sea?

As the conflict continues, both sides are faced with the challenge to outdo the other. Hence it becomes interesting to see how both sides carry on employing new measures to strike one another.