‘World’s first’ naval drone-on-drone battle in war ends with a sunken boat

A Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel (USV) destroyed a Russian naval drone in the Black Sea on September 12, in what Ukraine’s Navy described as the first-ever combat between two unmanned boats. The operation was a joint effort with Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, HUR, which spotted the Russian vessel before the Ukrainian drone attacked. According to the Ukrainian Navy, its Sargan-3000 USV employed a 12.7-mm Protector remote weapon station to destroy the Russian drone. This development marks a new phase in the Russia-Ukraine War, as both parties increasingly deploy naval drones to target ships, ports, and maritime infrastructure. “This is the first-ever battle between unmanned naval boats,” the Navy said. Ukraine released video footage of the operation on its official Telegram account, which depicts the Ukrainian drone engaging the Russian vessel at sea. Russian attack drone intercepted at sea The Russian vessel was identified as an improved Orcan type, also referred to as Zefir or Zephyr in certain Russian sources. This small USV is designed for explosive attacks and is comparable in size and design to Ukraine’s early Magura V3 and V5 naval drones. The Orcan is equipped with an internal motor connected to a steerable water jet, enabling high speed and maneuverability. The vessel is fully unmanned. Russia has increasingly employed these USVs against Ukrainian ports and naval targets. Multiple attacks have occurred near Odesa, and Ukrainian forces have intercepted additional suspected maritime drone operations. Sargan-3000 brings firepower The Ukrainian Navy’s Sargan-3000, also known as SeaWolf, is a multipurpose USV manufactured by Nordex. It completed combat testing in April 2026. According to the Navy, the platform is “highly maneuverable” and can execute strike missions. During the September 12 operation, the Sargan carried a Protector remote weapon station and a 12.7-mm machine gun. This configuration enabled the Ukrainian drone to engage the Russian vessel from a distance, avoiding direct collision. Other variants of the Sargan are capable of carrying air-defense equipment or electronic warfare systems, allowing the platform to fulfill diverse operational roles. A new phase of naval drone warfare The location of the encounter has not been disclosed. It most likely occurred in the northwestern Black Sea, where Ukrainian and Russian maritime activity has increased. Russia has been using naval drones from bases in northwestern Crimea, such as Chornomors’ke and the Lake Donuzlav area. Satellite images also show new facilities for naval drones in occupied Crimea. Russian USVs can work with long-range aerial drones like Geran systems. These drones help with surveillance, communication, and control over longer distances. Ukraine has also expanded its naval drone campaign across the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The Navy reported that it has struck many Russian vessels and maritime targets, including 105 vessels during its Sea of Azov campaign. The destruction of one USV may have limited impact on overall numbers because these systems are designed to be expendable. The significance lies in the tactic. Naval drones are now being used to hunt other naval drones, potentially forcing both sides to develop new methods for detect, defend against, and engage unmanned vessels at sea. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.