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How naval drones are changing the conflict in Ukraine

2023-08-05 12:35:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

A Russian tanker has been hit in a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea, according to Russian officials.

A Ukrainian source told the BBC that the attack was carried out by a naval drone. On August 4, Russia said it had repelled an attack by this type of drone on one of its naval bases in the region.

While aerial drones have been used to great effect during conflict, this new form of naval technology has gained momentum and could change the future of naval warfare.

What are sea drones?

Sea drones are small unmanned vessels. Unlike aerial drones, these operate on or below the surface of the water.

These drones can also be used for military purposes - such as clearing mines, conducting surveillance or detonating near targets such as enemy ships.

Common features of sea drones include built-in explosives and cameras that transmit images to the person controlling it.

Long-range targets are usually pre-programmed into the drone when launched.

They are then guided remotely by a human as they close in on the target, explains Sidharth Kaushal of the Russian defense think tank.

When were sea drones used against Russia?

BBC Verify research suggests Ukraine has carried out at least 12 naval drone strikes - targeting military ships, Russia's naval base at Sevastopol and the port of Novorossiysk. This is based on announcements by Russian and Ukrainian authorities and local media reports.

Ukrainian defense sources told CNN that naval drones were also used in an attack on the Kerch Bridge in July.

Some attacks have been far from the shores of Ukraine.

The relatively low-cost deployment of naval drones in Ukraine marks a new era for naval warfare. The tactic poses a growing risk to Russia, according to some analysts.

Compared to naval vessels, maritime drones are more difficult to detect on radar because they travel low in the water and make much less noise.

While Ukraine does not have a significant navy, its naval drones have prevented Russia from taking full control of the Black Sea, says Katarzyna Zysk, a professor at the Norwegian Institute of Defense Studies./ CNA.al