The modernized Ukrainian drones can now deliver nearly a ton of explosives over more than 1000 km.
"This means that the Security Service of Ukraine can reach a target practically anywhere in the Black Sea," said Artem Dehtyarenko, a spokesperson for the Security Service of Ukraine, during a national telethon.
Dehtyarenko did not disclose all the technical specifications but mentioned that these are "next-generation drones" being jointly developed by SSU experts with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVS) and "other like-minded partners."
The current Sea Baby drone, according to the SSU representative, differs from the previous model in its appearance, technical characteristics, and its ability to deliver nearly a ton of explosives over more than 1000 km.
According to the SSU spokesperson, there was no alternative to the SSU's striking naval drones in the world in 2022. Existing Western drones were large but not maneuverable, making them easily detectable by "enemy radars."
"Today, a drone worth 8.5 million UAH destroys an enemy warship worth tens of millions of dollars," Dehtyarenko added. According to him, these drones have already struck 11 Russian ships and the Crimean Bridge.
Previously, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk, referred to the Sea Baby drone as a "multi-purpose platform that is effectively utilized today."
In October 2022, the maritime drones of the Security Service of Ukraine attacked ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol Bay, damaging the frigate "Admiral Makarov" among others.
In 2023, SSU drones struck the missile carriers "Samum" and "Pavel Derzhavin," the tanker SIG, the landing ship "Olenegorsky Gornyak," damaged the tug "Nikolai Mur," and the state-of-the-art reconnaissance-hydrographic vessel "Vladimir Kozitsky."
