Following Ukraine’s successful use of kamikaze surface boats in the Black Sea, russia’s defense industry began creating its own models. In particular, in 2023, the Kingisepp Machine-Building Plant (KMZ) developed the GRK-700 Vizir remotely controlled boat, that concealed its military potential under the guise of a hydrographic platform.
In the autumn of the same year, it became known that russia would receive serial GRK-700 Vizyr kamikaze boats in 2024. This was officially reported by the russian Ministry of Defense. In particular, it was known about the first batch of 10 such kamikaze boats.
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At the same time, the head of the Maritime Board, Nikolai Patrushev, stated in late January this year that the russian Navy was receiving kamikaze drones and, as of today, is increasing production of these weapons based on the experience of the so-called special military operation. The specific names of the drones are not provided, but russians claim that it is primarily the GRK-700 Vizir, one of the most advanced developments.
Initially, the drone was positioned for hydrographic tasks, but now KMZ states that it is a multifunctional platform designed to perform tasks in the interests of the russian military — from cargo transportation to kamikaze missions. The serial production of GRK-700 started in 2024.
russians call the Vizir a "heavy multifunctional unmanned marine boat with a return function" that can operate both under operator control and with the help of artificial intelligence. Of course, the veracity of the latter claim is highly questionable, as is the announced price of 500,000 rubles (about 100,000 dollars), considering that it is primarily a multifunctional platform.
It is noted that the Vizir can move at a speed of about 85 km/h. It is equipped with electronic warfare and can perform tasks in the riverbeds. russians say that such a boat could be used on the Dnipro river to destroy crossings.
In addition, disabling the military infrastructure of Ukraine is considered as a potential task, and there is also talk of terrorist attacks on port infrastructure and other similar facilities.
The Vizir can also be used to counter Ukrainian kamikaze boats. Large-caliber machine guns, missiles, or even anti-drone nets are considered as the main weapons against them.
Earlier, Defense Express reported that russia had wanted its own IDAS missile analog for submarines.
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