A functional prototype of Kronos submarine made its debut at IDEX-2023 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi in March 2023. It is unclear when the submarine might be ready for use, but according to Newsweek, Highland Systems that is developer of this project, reported that six drones are enough to control the Black Sea.
The Kronos armored submarine, which is being developed by Ukrainian designers at the UAE-based Highland Systems company, has a shape that resembles a stealth aircraft. Engineers claim that Kronos can perform a full 180-degree turn at maximum speed, which is beyond the capabilities of any other underwater drone. The chief designer and founder of the company, Alexander Kuznetsov, is confident that the modernized submarine can be used to attack russian Black Sea Fleet.
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Kronos is designed for fast diving to depths of up to 250 meters, but it can also operate in shallow water. It can stay underwater for 54 hours, or 18 hours in battery-only mode. The Kronos is equipped with 6 Black Scorpion torpedoes and has a maximum underwater speed of 27 knots, which is equivalent to the US Los Angeles-class nuclear submarines. The ability of the submarine to move and maneuver quickly can significantly complicate its destruction in combat.
Kronos is also expected to cost significantly less than conventional military submarines, which cost at least hundreds of millions of dollars. If the vessel works properly, it will become a real threat to traditional submarines.
"A revolutionary submarine dubbed Kronos, has sent ripples through the world of naval warfare, raising questions about the future of underwater combat and potentially tipping the scales in the Black Sea. The most headline-grabbing feature is its purported ability to execute a full 180-degree turn at maximum speed. If true, this maneuverability would grant Kronos unparalleled agility underwater, allowing it to evade enemy attacks and position itself strategically with unmatched swiftness," SOFREP writes.
Currently, Highland Systems is also developing several armored ground vehicles and amphibious vehicles, as well as a tri-hull yacht. In addition, the company is advertising the possibility of re-equipping tanks and armored vehicles by replacing their regular engines with a hybrid-electric power supply.
Earlier Defense Express reported that russians had built special ship for Ka-52 helicopters to cruise in the Sea of Azov.
Read more: The russians Build Special Ship for Ka-52 Helicopters to Cruise in the Sea of Azov
