Are ‘kamikaze’ USVs a game changer in naval warfare?
The Magura V5 USV is 5.5m-long and 1.5m-wide with a payload is 360kg. The craft has a cruising speed of 22kt and maximum speed of 42kt. The range of Magura is 450km and it can use radio or SATCOM terminals for communication. (Photo: GUR)
The use of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) by Ukraine in strike operations against the Russian Navy in the Black Sea has been extremely successful. But it is likely that the long-term impact could be limited.
On the night of 4–5 March 2024, Ukrainian USVs attacked a Russian Navy ship, the 94m-long 1,700 tonne Project 22160 Bykov-class patrol ship Sergei Kotov. Footage released by Ukrainian Defence Intelligence (GUR) showed images taken from a USV that indicated that the ship was hit three times by USVs. It was not clear, however, whether Sergei Kotov was sunk.
It was the latest in a string of USV attacks by so called ‘kamikaze’ or strike USVs that have resulted in significant damage to or sinking of Russian Navy ships in the Black Sea Fleet.
On 13 March, the GUR
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push]()
Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push
Chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine tells Shephard how Babcock is lining up New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and the US for its Arrowhead 140 frigate, speaks on the hybrid navy offer and talks AUKUS.
-
![Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift]()
Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift
The 50m, six-person ship from the Italian shipbuilder carries swappable, containerised payloads instead of a fixed mission, reflecting a shift that is becoming increasingly evident.
-
![Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties]()
Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties
HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor could return from their current deep maintenance, but unconfirmed operational timelines leave questions over patrol capacity before the first CPSP arrives.
