KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Ukraine's state security service has introduced an enhanced sea drone capable of operating throughout the Black Sea, featuring the ability to carry heavier weaponry and utilize artificial intelligence for targeting purposes. This upgraded unmanned naval vessel, referred to as the "Sea Baby," has been instrumental in Ukraine's efforts to target Russian shipping and infrastructure in the Black Sea.
According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the operational range of the Sea Baby has been significantly extended from 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) to 1,500 kilometers (930 miles). The drone can now carry a payload of up to 2,000 kilograms (approximately 4,400 pounds). During a demonstration attended by The Associated Press, different variants of the Sea Baby showcased capabilities including a vessel equipped with a multiple-rocket launcher and another featuring a stabilized machine-gun turret.
Brig. Gen. Ivan Lukashevych of the SBU stated that the new vessels are equipped with AI-assisted friend-or-foe targeting systems and have the capacity to launch small aerial attack drones alongside multilayered self-destruct mechanisms designed to prevent enemy capture. The advancements in this technology indicate a shift in naval warfare strategies.
The SBU reported that drone strikes from these unmanned vessels have successfully targeted 11 Russian vessels, including frigates and missile carriers. This success has compelled the Russian navy to relocate its main base from Sevastopol in Crimea to Novorossiysk along Russia's Black Sea coast. Lukashevych emphasized that the SBU has pioneered this innovative approach to naval warfare, developing the Sea Baby from a single-use craft to a reusable, multipurpose platform that expands Ukraine's offensive possibilities.
While the specifics regarding the time and location of the demonstration were withheld for security reasons, the drones are operated remotely from a mobile control center situated inside a van, equipped with a comprehensive array of screens and controls. An operator, identified only by the call sign “Scout,” highlighted the significance of crew cohesion, noting that maintaining effective teamwork is vital for operational success.
The Ukrainian sea drones have also been crucial in executing strategic attacks, including multiple strikes on the Crimean Bridge, targeting its underwater supports to impede its functionality for heavy military transport. The Sea Baby program receives partial funding through public donations as part of a state-run initiative and is coordinated closely with Ukraine's military and political leadership.
Lukashevych remarked that the transition from expendable strike boats to reusable, networked drones represents a significant advancement in asymmetric naval warfare. He noted, “On this new product, we have installed rocket weaponry that will allow us to work from a large distance outside of the attack range of enemy fire. We can use such platforms to carry heavy weaponry," showcasing the responsible use of donated funds.
This development underscores Ukraine's commitment to adapting its military strategies in response to the ongoing conflict, particularly in reshaping naval engagements in the Black Sea. It demonstrates how technological innovation can play a pivotal role in conflict dynamics, providing a framework for future military operations.
