Russia’s fleet is set to get 150 uncrewed vessels in 2026, and possibly 230. Sanctions are holding the build back
Ukraine's naval drones drove Russia's Black Sea Fleet out of its main base.
In 2026, Russia's fleet will be equipped with over 150 uncrewed surface vessels, with the possibility of increasing the number to 230, according to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence. This development comes after Ukraine's naval drones forced the Russian Black Sea Fleet to abandon its main base in Sevastopol for Novorossiysk, roughly 300 kilometers east.
The Magura strike drones operated by Ukraine sank or damaged more than a dozen Russian vessels, compelling the fleet to relocate. Russia is now ordering the same class of weapon in greater volume, three years after Ukraine initially attacked Sevastopol with drone boats in October 2022. Intelligence reveals that Russia is prioritizing the construction of universal drones using Russian-made components, enhancing protected communications and artificial intelligence capabilities, and expanding the vessels' operating range.
However, sanctions are hampering Russia's production, as a shortage of electronic components is causing difficulties in importing and developing communications resistant to electronic warfare. Moreover, limits on access to Starlink terminals may have influenced Russia's naval drone development, as Ukrainian forces had utilized these terminals to control uncrewed systems.
The Magura V11, the largest boat in the series, was unveiled during Ukraine's Independence Day drone parade on August 24. This vessel is capable of carrying and launching other drones and can remain at sea for up to seven days, making it larger than its predecessors designed for ramming ships.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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