Ukrainian naval drone sinks Russian drone boat in Black Sea

<p>In a notable event involving drone technology, a Ukrainian naval drone destroyed a Russian explosive drone boat using a remote-controlled machine gun turret. This incident marks a significant development in the use of uncrewed surface vessels in combat, alongside the deployment of flying attack drones and ground robots.</p><p>The engagement occurred on September 12 when members of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence detected the Russian uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in the Black Sea and directed a Ukrainian Navy drone boat to intercept it. The Russian vessel was identified as an Orcan surface drone, which is designed to ram targets and explode, according to naval analyst HI Sutton in Naval News.</p><p>Orcan drones have previously been used to attack Ukrainian ports and ships. They often operate in coordination with aerial drones, such as Russian Geran drones, which provide reconnaissance and enhance communication between drone operators and drone boats, Sutton explained.</p>