The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has revealed the first of 35 naval drones, named Sea Baby Avdiivka, manufactured using $8.1 million in donations from Ukrainian and foreign supporters.
These advanced drones have proven to be a game-changer in the ongoing war, allowing Ukraine to successfully target Russian naval assets, substantially weakening Moscow’s presence in the Black Sea.
???????? Security Service revealed the Sea Baby Avdiivka, the first of 35 naval drones funded by $8 million in donations. This drone can carry almost a ton of explosives over 621 miles (1000 rm). With navy drones, ???????? has already sunk a dozen ships from the Russian Black Sea Fleet. pic.twitter.com/vWSOhoWCki
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) March 6, 2024
“The new Sea Baby 2024 has improved characteristics, greater combat capabilities, and enhanced maneuverability. It can deliver nearly a ton of explosives over a 1000 kilometers (621 miles) and serves as a universal platform for various weapons,” explained an SBU brigadier general with the call sign Hunter.
The first drone in this batch, named Avdiivka in honor of the town in Donetsk Oblast captured by Russian forces in February, is currently undergoing sea trials. The SBU development team will adapt the latest onboard weapons, specially designed for multi-purpose platforms, during the testing process.
Thanks to the naval drones, Ukraine has already sunk 11 ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and struck the Crimean Bridge.
The fundraising effort was organized by the Ukrainian platform UNITED24, a Ukrainian bank, and several volunteers.
Read more:
- Ukrainian naval drones sink large Russian landing ship Caesar Kunikov
- David topples Goliath: Ukraine’s DIY naval drones outfox Russia’s Black sea fleet
- Ukraine’s SeaBaby naval drones can now engage in sea battles, not only carry explosives
- Ukraine spymaster: Even 30% of naval drones that reach targets problem for Russia