Ukraine has created sea drones carriers with FPV kamikaze: what are their advantages

Ukraine has developed an unmanned surface vessel capable of carrying several fiber-optic drones in retractable compartments on its hull. This was reported by Forbes. According to the material, the shelling of the ports of Tuapse and Novorossiysk were the first instances of fiber-optic drones launched from the sea. Earlier, in December last year, the Ukrainian Navy demonstrated the launch of FPV drones from sea drone carriers, hinting at such possible use. Experts note that due to limited human resources, Ukraine is focusing on developing cheap unmanned systems designed for effective single-use. According to Gregory Falco from Cornell University, this approach can be effective. Forbes notes that both Ukraine and Russia are trying to increase the range of their drones, and sea drone carriers open up new opportunities for this. According to arms analyst Roy Gardiner, fiber-optic FPV drones transported by sea carriers can strike land and sea targets, nullifying the effectiveness of electronic warfare measures. He believes that this innovation could change the dynamics of combat operations in the Black Sea, as such drones are particularly suitable for distant targets - specifically Tuapse and Novorossiysk. Samuel Bendett from the Center for a New American Security emphasized that Ukraine is already leading in the creation of various types of drones for specific tasks, and that the described experience has no parallels even in the leading economies and industries of the world. Fiber-optic drones receive commands and transmit images via fiber-optic cables, replacing the radio channel – this is especially important against the backdrop of the active use of electronic warfare measures. The development of the unmanned vessel in Ukraine demonstrates new opportunities for the use of drones in military actions. Such a vessel could become an important asset for controlling the Black Sea and enable Ukraine to more effectively defend its borders.