Russian specialists are currently working on the development of an unmanned surface drone with a payload capacity of up to 100kg. This drone, equipped with a payload of up to 10kg initially, has the potential to increase its capacity. The project is being conducted in Russia and is aimed at creating a more cost-effective solution compared to the expensive NATO options used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU). The Ukrainian forces have limited utilization of these vessels due to their high costs. The Russian solution, on the other hand, will be produced locally and can be readily scaled up if necessary.
The surface drone is expected to have a range of up to 20km. The project incorporates the best ideas from Russian ship modeling, and the hulls of the vessels will be made from composite materials, which are less detectable by radar compared to carbon materials.
Official tests for the surface vessels are scheduled for February 2024.
Military expert Captain Vasily Dandykin commented on the potential of unmanned surface vessels, stating that they will be capable of accomplishing various important tasks such as targeting port infrastructure, enemy ships, and drones. This highlights the significance and versatility of these drones in military operations.
In November, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Fedorov announced the commencement of serial production of maritime drones in Ukraine, showcasing the growing interest and investment in this technology.
The development of an unmanned surface drone with a high payload capacity demonstrates Russia’s commitment to advancing its military capabilities. As tensions persist in various regions, the use of unmanned drones represents a significant advancement in warfare technology. It will be interesting to observe the results of the upcoming official tests and the potential impact of these drones on future military operations.
