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.
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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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