Ukraine Unveils New Naval Drone “Alligator-9” With Laser Weapon and Torpedo-Carrying Capabilities

The Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces have presented a new surface drone platform named “Alligator-9,” designed to counter naval threats and support multi-role maritime operations.

According to Militarnyi on April 13, citing video footage released by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, the “Alligator-9” is a modular maritime drone platform capable of carrying a wide range of payloads depending on the assigned mission.

The system can be equipped with the “Tryzub 90” laser weapon, which enables it to destroy cruise missiles, glide bombs, and attack drones at distances of up to 3,000 meters.

It is also capable of neutralizing reconnaissance UAVs, helicopters, and aircraft at a range of up to 5,000 meters, and blinding aerial threats, including missiles and aircraft, at distances up to 10,000 meters.

Alternatively, the drone can serve as a carrier for smaller torpedo drones such as the “Alligator-5 ToD,” with the platform capable of transporting between six to ten such units. These unmanned torpedoes are intended for targeting small surface vessels.

In another configuration, the “Alligator-9” serves an electronic warfare (EW) support role, carrying three to five “Alligator-5 EW” drones.

These units are equipped with electronic warfare and intelligence-gathering tools and can support operations by suppressing enemy communications and radars, enabling safe passage for strike drones or performing mine-clearing and navigational assistance.

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The new platform was showcased at the “European Defense Industry: Prospects for Cooperation With Ukraine’s Defense Sector” conference on April 10, where Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Commander Vadym Sukharevskyi also presented the Tryzub laser weapon for the first time.

While the full technical specifications of the “Alligator-9,” such as range and speed, have not been disclosed, the platform is approximately 3 to 5 meters long and about human height. Its design allows for flexible adaptation to different mission profiles within naval and electronic warfare contexts.

Earlier, Ukraine unveiled the “Katran,” a long-range naval drone developed by Military Armored Company HUB and presented by the Brave1 defense tech cluster. With a range of up to 1,500 km, the drone is equipped with torpedoes, a minigun, and electronic warfare systems, and is designed for autonomous strike and reconnaissance missions at sea.