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Ukraine Sinks New Russian Sea Drone in First-Ever Naval Intercept Near Black Sea Trade Routes

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Ivan Khomenko
News Writer
Ukraine Sinks New Russian Sea Drone in First-Ever Naval Intercept Near Black Sea Trade Routes
Moment Ukrainian Navy destroys an unidentified Russian maritime drone near the country’s coastline. (Source: Ukrainian Navy)

Ukraine’s Navy has destroyed an unidentified Russian maritime drone that entered Ukrainian territorial waters and posed a potential threat to civilian vessels.

The incident marks the first confirmed interception of a Russian surface drone by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to Defense Express on October 17.

The Ukrainian Navy reported that the unmanned vessel was neutralized after being detected near civilian shipping lanes in the Black Sea. Its destruction “prevented possible provocations and minimized risks to civilian vessels,” the Navy stated. The strike was reportedly coordinated with Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR).

The drone, which remained stationary before being hit, appeared to feature a flat deck and a raised rear structure likely housing optical or communication equipment.

According to Defense Express, the video released by the Navy shows an explosion consistent with an onboard warhead detonation, suggesting the drone was carrying a significant payload.

While the weapon used to destroy the target was not specified, analysts believe the engagement may have involved small arms fire or possibly another unmanned system.

The drone’s inactivity could have resulted from a technical failure or disruption by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems, which are known to interfere with radio-controlled platforms.

The publication noted that the design does not match any known Russian naval drones. The rear-mounted superstructure differs from existing models such as the GRK-700 “Vizir,” unveiled in 2023, which features its sensor mast at the front. This raises the possibility that Russia has fielded a new or modified drone type for testing in the Black Sea.

The interception follows a series of recent maritime drone incidents. In late August, a Russian surface drone struck the Ukrainian reconnaissance vessel Simferopol after breaching Ukrainian waters.

According to Defense Express, Russia’s continued work on sea drones—despite lacking a reliable satellite communication system comparable to Starlink—illustrates its effort to expand unmanned naval operations.

Earlier, Defense Express reported that Ukraine had introduced Sea Baby-type naval drones capable of launching fiber-optic–guided FPV drones—systems immune to Russian electronic warfare.

A captured unit near Tuapse appeared to carry four FPV containers connected by spooled cables, marking the first known use of such “drone carrier” platforms in naval operations.

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