The Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed combat use of the new Ukrainian Katran VENOM USV.
This vehicle is being developed by Military Armored Company HUB of Ukrainian Brave1 platform (United coordinational platform for Defense Tech that is created and powered by the Government of Ukraine).
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The main features of this USV are multifunctionality as well as powerful weapons. In particular, the developers declare the presence of the following armament on the USV’s board:
- two torpedoes under the wings to destroy naval targets;
- Minigun from the front for defeating objects on the front course;
- the Browning machine gun, from above with a firing angle of 180 degrees, that is intended for air targets;
- two Piorun MANPADS, which are mounted on a turret with a machine gun to protect the USV against air targets.
It is worth noting that this list of weapons is likely only variants of weapons that can be installed on the Katran VENOM USV. That is, it will have only the necessary weapons to perform a specific mission, but not everything at once.
The Katran VENOM USV also has the following equipment on board:
- laser targeting detection system that ensures automatic threat recognition to protect the USV against enemy targeting systems;
- electronic warfare and radio-electronic reconnaissance systems to provide effective suppression and interception of enemy signals;
- trap shooting system that use smoke and heat traps to evade rockets and artillery shells.
Katran VENOM USV can move at speeds up to 130 km/h and cover a range of up to 1500 km. This vehicle also has speed and laser guidance sensors to monitor current battle conditions as well as an automatic system for capturing multiple targets providing their selection and tracking. Unlike other Ukrainian serial sea drones, which are equipped with one water jet engine, USV Katran VENOM is powered by two submersible jet engines at once.
The new Ukrainian USV can be controlled via any satellite Internet antenna. The USV is equipped with a surveillance system that combines daytime and thermal imaging cameras to provide maximum awareness in marine conditions. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a course camera that combines daytime and thermal imaging cameras for monitoring in any conditions.
The type of torpedoes to be installed on the Katran VENOM USV is not currently disclosed, but it is worth mentioning that in one of its past military aid packages, Sweden transferred to Ukraine an unknown underwater weapon, which may be Torped 47 or SLWT guided torpedoes. These modern, advanced torpedoes can independently patrol the area of a potential target and destroy ships as well as submarines.
Considering the statement of the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov about the combat use of the Katran VENOM USV, it is worth mentioning a UAV video where an unknown Ukrainian naval drone launches, probably a torpedo or a smaller naval drone. At that time, many Telegram channels suggested that the video was of the Katran VENOM USV.
As the developer emphasizes, the Katran VENOM USV is to perform the following missions:
- Assault on Water: The drone is effective against small vessels, landing craft, water drones, and port infrastructure.
- Air and Water Operations Support: Provides cover for aircraft, helicopters, drones, and water teams.
- Reconnaissance: the drone can quickly and safely conduct reconnaissance operations over long distances.
The USV is controlled by an innovative control system for marine drones that provides universal integration with various modules and equipment. The system has a modular architecture, intuitive interface; provides management in real time as well as high level of security.
Defense Express reported earlier, that After Two Premature Explosions on Mi-8s, russians Stoped Using FPV Drones for Hunting Ukraine’s USVs. We also wrote, that Ukrainian Sea Baby USV Was Upgraded with the Grad MLRS.
Read more: Update: Ukrainian Magura Naval Drones Destroyed Two russian Helicopters in the Black Sea Operation
