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​The UK Defense Intelligence: russia Rushes to Close Gap with Ukraine in One-Way Attack Drone Boats

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Russian defense industry scrambling to close capability gap with Ukraine in critical maritime domain / open source
Russian defense industry scrambling to close capability gap with Ukraine in critical maritime domain / open source

Russian defense industry scrambling to close capability gap with Ukraine in critical maritime domain

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.

Read more: ​The UK Defense Intelligence: russia Ramps Up Use of RBK-500 Cluster Munitions in Ukraine