Defence Blog – A U.S.-made AEGIR-W unmanned surface vessel was found off the coast of Ordu, Turkey and is set to be inspected and destroyed by authorities. The vessel’s recovery highlights the spread of military unmanned maritime systems linked to the Ukraine war beyond their intended area of operation

(Thanks to Alain)

United 24 – Ukraine is working on a new generation of naval drones capable of operating in open ocean conditions, marking a potential expansion of its unmanned maritime capabilities beyond the Black Sea.

Maritime Executive – Ukraine has launched attacks on two railway ferries that Russia was using to supplement its rail line from the Russian mainland across the Kerch Strait Bridge to Crimea.

Naval News – Ukrainian forces have conducted a series of large-scale attacks on Russian Black Sea Fleet assets in recent weeks, striking targets in both occupied Crimea and the Novorossiysk naval base in successive operations.

United24Media – Ukrainian UADEFENSE company has unveiled a new multifunctional unmanned surface vessel, the M.A.K., designed for both river and maritime operations.

(Thanks to Alain)

Marine Link – Russia’s Black Sea port of Taman, which handles oil products, grain, coal and commodities, has been damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack, the governor of Russia’s Krasnodar region said on Sunday.

(Thanks to Alain)

RUSI – Kyiv’s unprecedented attack campaign on Russian shadow fleet tankers ups the pressure on sanctions-busting shippers and insurers at a time when Russian oil exports are already under strain.

Covert Shores – Ukraine has received the Fog surface drone (USV) from Latvian firm NEWT21. The small vessel is intended primarily for patrolling and surveillance, search and rescue missions, and has a offensive possibility. It is marketed for both sea and riverine use, and both offensive and defensive missions.

Lloyds List – A Russia-bound tanker was reportedly attacked on Wednesday while sailing off the Turkish coast in the Black Sea.

1945 – Russia’s Black Sea Fleet just absorbed another serious blow beneath the surface. A Project 636.3 Kilo-class submarine—believed to be B-271 Kolpino—was struck while tied up at Novorossiysk, the base Moscow relied on after Sevastopol became a recurring target.

(Thanks to Alain)

War Zone – In a significant escalation of the ‘tanker war’ between Russia and Ukraine, which has so far played out mainly in the Black Sea, Ukrainian aerial drones have struck a tanker belonging to Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ in the Mediterranean.

The War Zone – Ukraine’s submersible drone navigated into a protected harbor and detonated very close to the targeted submarine.

The Guardian – Ukrainian naval drones hit two tankers operating under sanctions in the Black Sea as they headed to a Russian port to load up with oil destined for foreign markets, an official said on Saturday, as Kyiv tries to pile pressure on Russia’s vast oil industry.

United 24 – Ukrainian defense forces conducted a coordinated overnight drone strike on military and logistics facilities in Russia’s Novorossiysk port, reportedly damaging a large Russian landing ship of the Project 1171 “Tapir” class, according to Hromadske, citing an informed source.

(Thanks to Alain)

Naval News – Both Russian and Ukrainian media and government sources confirmed an attack on the Laguna-class SIGINT ship Simferopol, a Ukrainian intelligence gathering vessel, that was operating near the mouth of the Danube River.

Center for Maritime Strategy – One of Ukraine’s most significant achievements during the war has been its campaign in the Black Sea. Ukraine has successfully crippled Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. In addition, a report by Business Insider estimated that nearly half of Russia’s naval force on the Black Sea has been damaged or destroyed by Ukraine, a country without a navy. How did Ukraine achieve this success? What does Ukraine’s Black Sea strategy mean for naval warfare?

The War Zone – The attack is an example of the rapidly evolving nature of drone warfare and likely did significant damage to Russia’s ability to surveil Black Sea skies.

Naval News – 3 years ago, in the summer of 2022, four Ukrainian engineers built the countries first maritime drone. Built in great secrecy, that innovative vessel has not been reported until now. This is the vessel which changed naval history and ushered in the new era of drone warfare at sea.

Navy Lookout – In less than three years, Ukraine has achieved staggering successes against the Russian navy in the Black Sea through an agile, low-cost campaign of uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) and drone strikes. Here we look at the details of this campaign and the profound implications for procurement, tactics and doctrine for global navies.

Defense News – Ukraine’s fleet of unmanned surface vessels is expanding with the emergence of a new, smaller type dedicated to riverine warfare for countering Russian presence in key waterways.

The War Zone – Ukraine launched bomber drones from sea drones and took out a prized Russian Nebo-M radar system ashore in Crimea.

CIMSEC – Over the past few years, Ukraine’s growing use of naval drones has pushed both sides to rapidly adapt, accelerating the race for countermeasures and maritime innovation. NATO would do well to study Ukraine’s approach as it prepares for the future of warfare at sea.

Naval News – Ukraine has successfully shot down two Russian jets sent to interdict their surface drones in the Black Sea. We can reveal the previously unreported surface drone (USV) which scored the kills using American Sidewinder missiles.

Naval News – A Ukrainian maritime drone operated by Group 13 of military intelligence (HUR) has made history, being the first uncrewed vessel to successfully shoot down an enemy fast jet. The historic event took place on May 2 close to the strategic Russian naval base of Novorossiysk in the eastern Black Sea. This single event reflects the rapidly changing world of naval warfare.

Naval News – The war in the Black Sea is often characterised as the surface drone’s arena. Ukraine has gained the upper hand, against the odds, and now denies Russia sea control. It is an aspect of the war where Ukraine holds the cards.