Water War: Ukraine's New Sea Drones Present Invisible and Lethal Challenge to Putin's Naval Dominance

A recent video has surfaced, showcasing Ukraine's latest sea drone aggressively engaging a Russian warship in the Black Sea near Sevastopol.

Known as the "SeaBaby," the unmanned vessel is equipped with a flamethrower system and is shaping up to be a formidable adversary for Vladimir Putin's beleaguered navy.

The Ukrainian army shared on Telegram an intense exchange that highlighted how naval drones from the Security Service of Ukraine not only carry explosives but also possess the capability to shoot.

The update provided details on the SeaBaby's specifications, stating that it carries an 850-kilogram charge and features its own flamethrower system, while another drone named Mamai carries a 450-kilogram charge.

Reports from Ukrainska Pravda reveal that the SeaBaby is primarily composed of materials that make it invisible to radar, with communication systems worth over $300,000 integrated into each unit.

Vasyl Maliuk, the head of Ukraine's security services, justified the adoption of this lethal machine by emphasizing its effectiveness in countering sea-based threats.

Maliuk emphasized that the initiative is exclusive to Ukraine's armed forces. He stated, "No private companies are involved in this invention. A team of SSU specialists, engineers, IT specialists and sailors is working on it."

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded the program's success, noting its significance in ending Russia's dominance in Ukraine's Black Sea, per Ukrainska Pravda.

However, the road to success faced obstacles, including a disagreement with Elon Musk over the use of Starlink satellite technology.

In September 2022, Musk's decision to deactivate his Starlink satellites over Ukraine disrupted a mission, causing a 70-kilometer standoff with the Admiral Makarov frigate, according to Ukrainska Pravda.

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Despite this setback, the Ukrainian team, led by Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, managed to overcome the hurdle and continue their operations in the Black Sea.

The SeaBaby drone made a significant impact by damaging the Crimean Bridge on July 17, 2023. Additionally, the Mamai drones have left their mark by damaging the Russian warship Olenegorskiy Gornyak and the Russian tanker Sig, showcasing the prowess of Ukraine's expanding drone arsenal.