The Russian Ministry of Defense has released dramatic footage showing the destruction of a Ukrainian naval vessel, the Simferopol, in the Danube estuary.
The video, posted on the ministry’s official Telegram channel, shows the moment a Russian fast unmanned boat struck the reconnaissance ship, sending it underwater.
According to Russian officials, the unmanned surface vessel (USV) successfully hit its target, marking a significant moment in naval warfare.
First Recorded Combat Use of Russian Unmanned Boats
This incident represents the first documented case of Russian unmanned boats destroying a Ukrainian ship.
The Telegram channel Military Chronicle described the strike as a “combat baptism” for these USVs, suggesting that Russia is beginning to integrate unmanned naval technology more actively into its operations.
“This episode can be considered the combat baptism of Russian unmanned boats and a step toward their further use,” the report stated.
Implications for Naval Warfare
The successful deployment of a Russian unmanned surface vessel against a naval target signals a new phase in the conflict.
It highlights both the growing role of unmanned systems in modern warfare and the increasing risks faced by traditional reconnaissance and combat ships.
Analysts note that this strike could indicate wider use of unmanned naval craft in the Black Sea and Danube regions, potentially reshaping future naval engagements.
