Solutions to win: Ukraine upgrades Sea Baby drones with "Hrad" MLRS for enhanced defense
Photo: sources of RBC-Ukraine
The Security Service of Ukraine's Sea Baby maritime drones have been fitted with Hrad MLRS, which has proven effective against Russian invaders.
RBC-Ukraine reports this with reference to its sources.
What is the problem?
Russia maintained complete dominance over the Black Sea, utilizing a formidable arsenal of missile frigates, similarly armed boats, submarines, and accompanying vessels. These forces were further reinforced by aircraft stationed in occupied Crimea. In contrast, Ukraine lacked the necessary heavy-duty ships to counter Russian naval forces effectively.
The Russian fleet could position itself 300 kilometers away, unleash its missiles, and carry out reconnaissance without opposition from long-range missile systems.
However, a significant development occurred in 2022 when Ukraine made history by launching the first-ever fleet of maritime drones. These small and nimble unmanned boats completely altered the balance of sea power, resulting in significant losses for the Russian Navy and forcing them to keep their ships at a safe distance from Ukrainian shores.
What is the solution?
Ukrainians raised funds for Sea Baby drones through the UNITED24 platform. From now on, they are equipped with Hrad systems and are already actively working against the Russians.
According to sources, Ukraine's Security Service and Navy conducted operations utilizing Sea Baby drones from the sea on Russian positions on the Kinburn Spit the night before last.
Photo: sources of RBC-Ukraine
How does it work?
"Our Sea Baby is more than just a drone – it's a versatile platform that's always being enhanced. Today, we can proudly say that it's armed with a rocket salvo fire system, and this innovative feature is proving to be quite powerful. The enemy will have a few new surprises to contend with. As always, we are working effectively," the Security Service's interlocutor said.
The Security Service of Ukraine also showed exclusive footage from the Sea Baby tests earlier in the winter and directly from the drone production.
Photo: sources of RBC-Ukraine
Photo: sources of RBC-Ukraine
For reference:
During the full-scale war, Ukraine considerably ramped up its production of domestic drones. In particular, it began manufacturing marine drones and established a special fleet.
Not only were Sea Baby naval drones produced in Ukraine, but also Magura V5, which are actively used by fighters of Ukraine's intelligence.
According to Dekhtiarenko, spokesperson of Ukraine's Security Service, these drones have already hit 11 Russian ships:
- missile carrier "Samum,"
- missile carrier "Pavel Derzhavin,"
- SIG tanker,
- amphibious assault ship "Olenegorsky Gornyak,"
- tugboat "Nikolay Moore,"
- latest reconnaissance and hydrographic ship "Vladimir Kozytskyi."
On December 26, 2023, the Ukrainian Defense Forces attacked the large amphibious ship of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation "Novocherkask" in the Feodosia region.
Also, on the night of February 1, Ukrainian scouts destroyed the missile boat "Ivanovets" of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation. Its value is approximately 60-70 million dollars.
Also, with Sea Baby's help, Ukraine's Security Service damaged the Crimean Bridge, "which cannot be destroyed." And together with him, the self-confidence of the Russians was finally buried.
In addition to the Security Service, the Main Directorate of Intelligence also uses naval drones against the Russians. Ukraine's intelligence has its own drone – Magura.
As reported, the Russian military industry is trying to close the gap with Ukraine in developing surface maritime attack drones.
