Operators of unmanned aerial vehicles from the 40th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade of Ukraine have successfully destroyed several russian assault boats along with their personnel, according to an official statement released by the Brigade. The strike, captured on video and shared via the Brigade's social media, demonstrates the growing effectiveness of Ukraine's Unmanned System Forces in targeting small, mobile enemy groups along the country's southern front.
The report notes that UAV operators from the Brigade's 1st Battalion detected enemy boats carrying a landing group, tracked their movement, and executed precise strikes that obliterated the targets.
Read more: Ukraine's Phoenix Unit Destroys 12 russian Tanks, Halts Advances in Donetsk
"Operators from the 1st Battalion identified the enemy boats with landing troops, tracked the target, and delivered an accurate strike," the Brigade's statement reads.
The short but powerful post concludes with a grim summary of the outcome, "Those who didn't drown – burned".
This latest engagement highlights Ukraine's increasing reliance on small, agile UAVs for maritime defense operations. While traditionally used for reconnaissance and artillery adjustment, drones are now playing a direct combat role, not only on land but also along coastal areas and river systems where russian units attempt to infiltrate or conduct sabotage missions.
As Defense Express previously reported, operators of Ukraine's Phoenix border unit have intensified their hunt for russian heavy and light armored vehicles, significantly weakening the enemy's ability to conduct offensive operations in Donetsk region. The Unmanned Systems Forces published footage of the unit's latest combat missions, showcasing the effectiveness of precision drone strikes against advancing russian formations.
Read more: russia Turns Cessna Light Aircraft into Drone Hunters, Copying and Upgraded Ukraine's Yak-52 Concept
