Ukraine has unveiled a new 20-foot-long underwater drone called Marichka, which is designed to attack Russian warships from beneath the sea. This development marks a significant shift in Ukraine’s tactics, as previous attacks on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet have been primarily carried out by surface naval drones. The Marichka is expected to be more destructive for warships, as it targets the underwater part of the vessels.
According to specialist naval defense news website Navalnews, a swarm of these suicide underwater uncrewed vehicles is challenging to defend against. The drone has a range of approximately 600 miles and can perform various missions, including attack, transport, and reconnaissance. The payload capacity of the Marichka has not yet been disclosed.
The development of the Marichka was led by volunteer engineers known as Ammo Ukraine. It is estimated to cost 16 million Ukrainian hryvnia, equivalent to $433,000. The drone has been tested in a newly released video, showcasing its capabilities.
Ukraine has been increasingly using drone attacks on Russian warships in the Black Sea since last year. Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov stated that these naval attack drones have been able to “paralyze” the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Although Russia has managed to destroy many of the drones using electronic warfare or shooting them out of the water, Budanov emphasized that the attacks remain a highly effective deterrent.
In addition to the development of the Marichka, Ukraine has established its first naval drone brigade, the 385th Separate Brigade of Special-Purpose Marine Unmanned Systems. This move further demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in unmanned naval warfare.
During a Ukrainian Independence Day parade, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented new colors to the brigade, highlighting the country’s dedication to strengthening its defense forces. The unveiling of the Marichka and the establishment of the naval drone brigade signify Ukraine’s determination to protect its interests in the Black Sea region.
How does Ukraine’s introduction of the Marichka underwater drone signify a significant shift in its tactics against Russian warships in the Black Sea?
Ukraine has recently introduced a new underwater drone called Marichka, measuring 20 feet in length, that has been specifically designed to target Russian warships from beneath the sea. This development signifies a significant shift in Ukraine’s tactics, as previous attacks on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet have primarily been executed by surface naval drones. The Marichka is expected to be more destructive towards warships, as it focuses on attacking the underwater section of the vessels.
According to Navalnews, a specialist naval defense news website, defending against a swarm of these suicide underwater drones would prove challenging. The Marichka has a range of approximately 600 miles and can undertake a variety of missions including attack, transport, and reconnaissance. The drone’s payload capacity has not yet been disclosed.
The development of the Marichka was spearheaded by volunteer engineers known as Ammo Ukraine, with an estimated cost of 16 million Ukrainian hryvnia (equivalent to $433,000). A video showcasing the drone’s capabilities during testing has been released.
Ukraine has increasingly utilized drone attacks on Russian warships in the Black Sea since last year. Kyrylo Budanov, the Ukrainian intelligence chief, emphasized that these naval attack drones have been able to “paralyze” the Russian Black Sea Fleet. While Russia has managed to counter many of the drones through electronic warfare or shooting them out of the water, Budanov stressed the effectiveness of these attacks as a powerful deterrent.
In addition to the development of the Marichka, Ukraine has also established its first naval drone brigade, called the 385th Separate Brigade of Special-Purpose Marine Unmanned Systems. This strategic move further underscores Ukraine’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in unmanned naval warfare.
During a Ukrainian Independence Day parade, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented new colors to the brigade, highlighting the country’s determination to strengthen its defense forces. With the unveiling of the Marichka and the establishment of the naval drone brigade, Ukraine is showcasing its resolve to safeguard its interests in the Black Sea region.
This is a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. It’s concerning to see the lengths countries are willing to go to for warfare.