The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have released video showing two Barracuda uncrewed surface vessels operating under heavy attack from Russian drones.
Footage published by the military showed Russian drone pilots attempting to destroy one of the robotic boats using three Lancet uncrewed aerial vehicles, two Molniya drones, and several FPV strike drones. Enemy forces eventually halted the vessel, but expended equipment that cost more than the Ukrainian boat itself.
While Russian forces focused their attacks on the first boat, the second Barracuda uncrewed surface vessel successfully evaded detection. It reached its designated location to deploy smaller FPV drones against enemy positions.
In the accompanying video, the Ukrainian Navy said that its targets were located on the left bank of the Dnipro River, where enemy forces had not expected small drones to appear. The navy added that operators were reconnoitering and striking coastal fortifications, recording successful hits on facilities used by enemy troops despite heavy electronic warfare.
Uncrewed surface vessels, also known as drone boats, are remotely operated watercraft used for reconnaissance and strike missions. The left bank of the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine has served as a primary defensive line for Russian forces.
Moscow region drone strikes
The release of the video follows a massive Ukrainian drone attack on August 18 targeting the Moscow region. Local authorities reported that hundreds of aerial drones were launched during the operation.
According to local officials, strikes in the Moscow region hit a warehouse belonging to online retailer Wildberries in the Atlant-Park complex, located in the Bogorodsky District. The strike triggered a large fire at the industrial site.
Media outlet Business Insider previously reported that Kyiv is placing greater emphasis on developing drones and robotic systems due to personnel shortages. These automated platforms are increasingly carrying out a wide range of combat tasks along the frontline.
