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Denmark Deploys AI Saildrones to Baltic Sea Amid Hybrid Threats—Is Ukraine Next?
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Denmark has deployed four Saildrone Voyager unmanned surface vessels to monitor maritime activity and safeguard underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
The mission, expected to last three months, aims to strengthen situational awareness in a region increasingly affected by hybrid threats.
According to Defense Express on June 24, the deployment includes autonomous vessels powered by wind and solar energy, supplemented by a diesel-electric propulsion system.
As tensions rise in the Baltic, Denmark is deploying Saildrone Voyager USVs to enhance situational awareness without compromising on endurance or environmental responsibility.
— Saildrone (@saildrone) June 20, 2025
Read more about this strategic development on our blog: https://t.co/tBMa82qg8X pic.twitter.com/TF2MjprdKX
The Saildrone Voyager, a 10-meter platform designed for coastal reconnaissance and maritime security, is capable of operating for extended periods without human intervention.
Each unit is equipped with maritime sensors, radar, an Automatic Identification System (AIS), and a computer vision system for detecting and classifying maritime objects.
The drones use secure satellite communication and feature navigation systems resistant to GPS jamming and spoofing—key capabilities for operating in contested electronic environments.
The unmanned vessels are intended to reduce the burden on conventional patrol ships in the Baltic region, where both Russian and Chinese vessels have previously posed risks to critical infrastructure.
Saildrone & @Meta completed the first autonomous deep-water survey in the North Atlantic.
— Saildrone (@saildrone) June 3, 2025
“This mission showed that autonomous ocean mapping is not just possible—it’s here, and it’s incredibly effective.” – Metahttps://t.co/zEJHq12J6l pic.twitter.com/cDgE7S7Jmy
The drones’ autonomous nature allows for continuous surveillance in high-risk areas without requiring significant personnel or logistical resources.
While Saildrone technology offers advantages for maritime monitoring, its relevance for Ukraine lies primarily in reconnaissance and patrol applications.
The Ukrainian General Staff has identified surveillance and patrolling as priority areas for the development of domestic unmanned maritime systems.
At this stage, it remains unlikely that Ukraine will prioritize acquiring Saildrone Voyagers unless such systems are provided through foreign military aid. Ukrainian efforts are currently focused on advancing local drone technologies, which remain the primary candidates for future deployment, according to Defense Express.
Earlier, Ukraine unveiled its modular naval drone “Seawolf” at DEFEA 2025 in Athens. Developed by Nordex, the 7.5-meter platform supports surveillance, EW, and strike roles, with variants configured for mine-laying, air defense, and drone deployment. A larger 9.5-meter version offers extended range and heavier payload for border security operations.
