Ukraine Gets a 700-km Maritime Drone—Powered by Starlink and Built in Latvia

Ukraine’s Defense Forces are set to receive a new Latvian-made maritime surface drone known as FOG, according to Latvian public broadcaster LSM.lv on January 6.

The unmanned vessel was purchased and delivered to Ukraine by Latvia’s charity platform Ziedot.lv, using donations collected from private citizens and businesses.

The FOG drone was fully designed and manufactured in Latvia by local defense technology company NEWT21 and was first unveiled in May last year.

The version supplied to Ukraine has been modified specifically for battlefield surveillance missions. Its carbon-fiber hull combines low weight with high structural strength, making it suitable for extended maritime operations in combat conditions.

According to the manufacturer, the surface drone has already completed test runs exceeding 100 kilometers at sea and is capable of covering distances of up to 700 kilometers under optimal conditions.

Ukrainian defense media outlet Militarnyi noted that the system can operate autonomously using pre-programmed mission parameters or be remotely controlled by an operator. Latvian donors raised more than €100,000 to fund the purchase of the drone.

Ukrainian military personnel completed training on how to operate the FOG platform toward the end of last year.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Ukraine’s Magura Sea Drone, the Last Thing a Russian Warship Wants to See

Oct 17, 2025 14:06

Technical specifications published by the manufacturer list the drone’s total weight at approximately 200 kilograms, with a payload capacity ranging from 100 to 200 kilograms. The hull measures 4.5 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width.

Propulsion is provided by a 90-horsepower water-jet engine mounted at the rear of the hull, enabling a cruising speed of roughly 50 km/h and a top speed of up to 78 km/h. Fuel capacity ranges from 30 to 200 liters, with average fuel consumption estimated at about 11 liters per hour.

The drone is equipped with a day-night electro-optical surveillance system, including a television camera. The unit sent to Ukraine is also fitted with a Starlink antenna to ensure stable, long-range communications during operations.

Earlier, Ukraine emerged as a central pillar of Lithuania’s updated National Security Strategy for 2026. The draft strategy, prepared by the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, explicitly states that European security is impossible without an independent, sovereign, and well-protected Ukraine that is fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic space.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW