The original Katran Venom already attracted attention because of the sheer amount of weaponry carried onboard. In the new Katran Venom V2, that concept has not only been preserved but expanded significantly.
According to the published specifications, the updated vessel carries six FPV drones, four small torpedoes of an unspecified type, a turret armed with a 12.7 mm Browning machine gun, two launchers for Piorun MANPADS systems (likely with four missiles in total), a forward-mounted 7.62 mm Minigun, and two fixed-wing strike FPV drones.
Read more: Ukraine Unveils Katran X1.2 USV Capable of Destroying Up to 23 russian Drones Across the Black Sea
Previously, many observers assumed these were simply alternative payload configurations, with only part of the listed armament mounted at the same time. However, the company now states that operating the Katran Venom V2 requires a crew of nine personnel.
The listed operators include a vessel pilot, navigator, four UAV pilots, a gunner, and a torpedo systems operator. This strongly suggests that most, if not all, of the announced weapons may indeed be carried simultaneously, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Beyond its unusually large arsenal, the Katran Venom V2 also appears equipped with a broad range of onboard defensive and support systems.
The vessel reportedly features laser warning sensors, smoke-screen deployment systems, flare dispensers, electronic warfare and SIGINT systems, as well as automated damage-control and water-pumping systems.
The platform also incorporates onboard artificial intelligence capabilities. According to the company, the AI can automatically detect and classify targets, determine their coordinates, and instantly synchronize this information with the command center’s operational map.
In addition, the onboard AI is reportedly capable of autonomously avoiding threats and electronic interference. In the event of complete communication loss, it may also be able to continue controlling the vessel independently.
MAC HUB describes the Katran Venom V2 as a "universal maritime predator" capable of conducting assault operations against port infrastructure, protecting groups of other Katran-family USVs or amphibious units, repelling enemy attacks and landing attempts, and securing maritime routes and coastlines.
As for performance characteristics, the company claims an operational range of up to 1,500 kilometers and a maximum speed of up to 130 km/h, both extremely high figures for an unmanned surface vessel.
Overall, the Katran Venom V2 appears to be one of the most multifunctional Ukrainian USV concepts revealed so far. At the same time, the sheer number of onboard systems and weapons likely means the platform will be significantly more expensive than simpler unmanned naval drones currently in service.
Previously, MAC HUB also unveiled another unmanned surface vessel, the Katran x1.2, which the company claims could help defend Odesa against Shahed drones and cruise missiles.
Read more: The Latest Ukrainian Katran VENOM USV Presented - Literally Everything About This Vehiсle Is Impressive
