New Ukrainian armed sea drone spotted near Russian base

A newly identified Ukrainian sea drone fitted with a remotely operated machine-gun mount was spotted during a recent strike attempt on Russia’s naval base at Novorossiysk.

Footage circulated by Russian reconnaissance channels appears to show the unmanned surface vessel moving as part of a larger wave of attack drones heading toward the port. One of the boats, previously not seen in open-source imagery, was later struck and destroyed by a Russian Lancet loitering munition before it reached the naval facility.

The vessel appears to have been equipped with multiple navigation systems, including satellite-guided navigation hardware, along with what looks like an explosive payload for a one-way strike mission. A secondary blast visible after the impact strongly suggests the boat was carrying onboard explosives. The use of explosive-laden sea drones against Novorossiysk has been documented in previous attacks on Russian naval assets and port infrastructure.

What makes this drone stand out is the visible remote-controlled machine-gun station mounted on the hull. The weapon appears intended to help protect the vessel during its approach, likely by engaging Russian reconnaissance drones or low-flying threats that could expose or attack it before impact.

That feature is consistent with the direction Ukraine’s naval drone program has taken over the past year. The Sea Baby family of drones has already been shown in armed configurations, including stabilized machine-gun turrets and rocket launchers. In previously released imagery, Ukrainian security services displayed variants capable of carrying heavier payloads and defensive weapons for longer-range Black Sea operations.

Earlier versions were largely built as floating strike drones packed with explosives. The addition of a gun mount suggests these systems are now being adapted to survive longer in contested waters, where both sides rely heavily on drones for surveillance and attack.

That matters particularly around Novorossiysk. The port has grown in importance since repeated Ukrainian strikes forced Russia to move much of its Black Sea Fleet activity away from Crimea. It has since become a recurring target for both aerial and maritime drone attacks.

In this case, the footage suggests the armed sea drone was unable to respond quickly enough to the incoming Lancet. The loitering munition hit the vessel before it reached the harbor area, and the follow-on explosion indicates the strike likely detonated the drone’s main warhead.