The russian defense industry is moving to close the capability gap with Ukraine in the development of one-way attack unmanned surface vehicles (OWA USVs). On November 27, 2023, Mikhail Danilenko, head of russian firm KMZ, announced their USVs would be trialled in the war with a view to establishing series production in 2024, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
The KMZ has previously manufactured a range of USVs, but in recent months they have started promoting their OWA capability; Mikhail Danilenko said the boat could carry a munition of up to 600 kg.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: russia Deploys Newly Formed Airborne Division to Ukraine
Navies have employed USVs since the Second World War. However, with modern types resembling speedboats packed with explosives, in the hands of Ukrainian forces they have emerged as a key capability in maritime domain since russia’s full-scale invasion.
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