Ukrainian Drones Employ Novel Tactic by Disabling Russian Ships in the Black Sea

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, drones operated by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) have successfully disabled four Russian ships using remote mining, marking the world’s first known instance of such a tactic being effective. The Sea Baby maritime drones reportedly planted more than 15 underwater mines near the Crimean Peninsula, strategically targeting routes exclusively used by Russian military vessels.

The explosives, described as bottom mines made of plastic weighing approximately 400 pounds each, were difficult to detect as they submerged into the seabed. Following initial drone operations, the Russian forces responded by fortifying entrances to Sevastopol port, which hindered further drone strikes. In response, under the leadership of SBU Chairman Vasyl Malyuk, the SBU devised an alternative strategy: deploying maritime mines.

American journalists report that Malyuk’s specialized team monitored maritime routes for about a month and a half before dispatching Sea Baby drones to install two mines. On September 14, the missile corvette “Samum” detonated one of these mines, causing damage to its stern. The vessel remains under repair in dry dock.

Over the ensuing weeks, Sea Baby drones covered more than 3000 miles, laying an additional 15 mines. During one mission, the drones engaged in gunfire with three “Raptor"-class patrol boats, damaging one enemy vessel. According to the SBU’s Brigadier General Ivan Lukashevych, known as “Hunter,” the drones' operations continued with notable success.

On October 11, the large patrol boat “Pavlo Derzhavin” struck a mine upon entering Sevastopol Bay, requiring repairs. Despite efforts by mine-clearing teams, the boat was again struck by a mine during its departure from the bay on October 13. A rescue tug dispatched to assist also struck a mine, necessitating its return to port.

Several days later, an explosion damaged a modern Russian mine-countermeasure ship, one of only two such vessels in service in Russia, named “Vladimir Kozitsky.” According to the WSJ, these incidents highlight the effectiveness of the SBU’s Sea Baby drones in disrupting Russian naval operations, including the Crimean Bridge, which remains partially unusable.

The WSJ notes that the remote mining operations carried out by the SBU with Sea Baby drones represent a pioneering use of unmanned maritime systems for offensive purposes. Ukrainian officials underscore that their adaptations to drone capabilities exceed conventional uses of such technology for surveillance or logistics, achieving unprecedented strategic impacts.

Overall, under Vasyl Malyuk’s leadership, the Ukrainian Security Service reports disabling 11 Russian military vessels and the Crimean Bridge, significantly impacting Russian maritime operations in the region.