Russia Builds First Uncrewed Anti-Submarine Vessel After Ukraine Crippled Its Black Sea Fleet

Russia has begun building what it says will be its first uncrewed surface vessel for anti-submarine warfare, as Moscow continues to expand its naval drone capabilities following heavy losses inflicted by Ukraine’s maritime drone campaign in the Black Sea.

According to Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, the project has been included in Russia’s current State Armament Program and has already entered the construction phase.

Moiseyev said the vessel will displace approximately 500 metric tons and is being developed for anti-submarine warfare missions. Russian officials describe it as the country’s first uncrewed vessel of its class.

“It is already under construction, and it will become the first such vessel. It will lay the foundation for the further development of uncrewed systems,” Moiseyev said.

Russia is also expanding dedicated unmanned units within its Navy. According to Moiseyev, the Northern Fleet has already formed its first unmanned systems regiment, consisting of two divisions operating uncrewed surface vessels and one division equipped with underwater unmanned vehicles.

A second regiment with the same structure is expected to be established within the Pacific Fleet in 2027, according to Moiseyev.

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War in Ukraine

“Russia Has Lost the Black Sea,” Zelenskyy Says

Jul 05, 2026 12:08

Ukraine’s maritime drone campaign has fundamentally reshaped naval operations in the Black Sea, forcing Russia to relocate much of its Black Sea Fleet from occupied Crimea to Novorossiysk and other ports.

Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels have been used to strike warships, patrol vessels, landing ships, and other naval infrastructure, prompting Moscow to accelerate the development of its own unmanned maritime capabilities.

Russia’s naval modernization comes after a series of setbacks at sea. Ukraine’s maritime drone campaign forced much of the Black Sea Fleet to relocate from occupied Crimea to Novorossiysk, while Russia’s wider naval posture has also weakened.

In July 2026, Russia was left without any warships deployed in the Mediterranean for the first time since 2013, underscoring the growing pressure on its naval capabilities.

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