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Ukraine’s Armed Sea Drone Destroys Russian Drone in World’s First Naval Drone Battle
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine’s Navy said it destroyed a Russian uncrewed surface vessel in the Black Sea using an armed Ukrainian naval drone, describing the engagement as the first recorded battle in history between two uncrewed surface vessels.
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The operation was conducted jointly by the Ukrainian Navy and Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), according to a statement released by the Navy on September 12. Ukrainian intelligence units detected the Russian vessel before a Sargan-3000 naval drone was deployed to intercept it.
The Ukrainian drone was equipped with a remotely operated RWS Protector turret armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.
“Ukraine’s Sargan destroyed a Russian uncrewed surface vessel. The Navy, in cooperation with the Main Directorate of Intelligence, conducted a successful operation in the Black Sea and destroyed a Russian uncrewed surface vessel. This is the first naval battle in history between uncrewed surface vessels,” the Ukrainian Navy said.
According to footage released by the Ukrainian Navy, the Sargan-3000 opened fire on the Russian vessel from a distance of approximately one kilometer.
The Russian vessel attempted to move away but was eventually immobilized and destroyed. The footage indicates that the Sargan operator targeted the vessel’s communications antennas early in the engagement, potentially disrupting its remote control.
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The Russian uncrewed vessel sustained multiple hits before sinking. The Ukrainian Navy did not disclose the precise location of the engagement or provide details about the Russian vessel’s intended mission.
The Sargan-3000 is a Ukrainian-made multipurpose uncrewed surface vessel that was officially adopted by the Ukrainian Navy in April 2026. According to publicly available specifications cited by Ukrainian media, the platform has an operational range of up to 1,600 kilometers, can reach speeds of approximately 40 to 55 knots, and can carry a payload of up to 450 kilograms.
Earlier, in July 2026, Ukraine’s Navy said a Sargan-3000 sea drone sank the Russian FSB patrol ship Izumrud near Novorossiysk. The vessel had taken part in Russia’s 2018 attack on Ukrainian Navy boats in the Kerch Strait.
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-8a425e1bfc0de752068504a69c875bab.jpeg "Passengers stand between trains as smoke rises near a railway station following a Russian attack. (Source: Pivden)")
