Ukraine’s state security service, the SBU, has introduced an upgraded version of its maritime drone, the ‘Sea Baby,’ which now boasts enhanced capabilities, including artificial intelligence (AI) for precision targeting, extended operational range, and the ability to carry heavier payloads. This cutting-edge unmanned vessel has been instrumental in Ukraine’s strategic strikes against Russian naval assets and infrastructure in the Black Sea, forcing Russia to relocate its primary naval base from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. The Sea Baby’s range has been expanded to 1,500 kilometers (930 miles), and it can now carry up to 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds) of payload, making it a formidable tool in modern naval warfare. At a recent demonstration attended by The Associated Press, variants of the drone were showcased, including models equipped with multiple-rocket launchers and stabilized machine-gun turrets. Brig. Gen. Ivan Lukashevych of the SBU highlighted the drone’s advanced features, such as AI-assisted targeting systems, the ability to deploy small aerial attack drones, and multilayered self-destruct mechanisms to prevent capture. The Sea Baby has evolved from a single-use strike craft to a reusable, multipurpose platform, marking a significant advancement in asymmetric naval warfare. The SBU emphasized that the drone’s development has been partially funded by public donations through a state-run initiative and is closely coordinated with Ukraine’s military and political leadership. The Sea Baby has already been used in successful attacks against 11 Russian vessels, including frigates and missile carriers, and has played a key role in high-profile strikes, such as repeated attacks on the Crimean Bridge. The SBU’s pioneering efforts in this new form of naval warfare underscore Ukraine’s commitment to leveraging technology to counter Russian aggression effectively.
Ukraine unveils upgraded sea drone it says can strike anywhere in the Black Sea
