Ukraine's navy has released video footage that it claims depicts the first naval engagement between uncrewed surface vessels, showing a Ukrainian drone attacking a Russian ship.
The footage, captured from a Ukrainian vessel, shows a remotely piloted drone firing on what is identified as a Russian unmanned vessel. A statement from the Ukrainian Navy's Telegram account described the event as the "first-ever naval engagement between uncrewed surface vessels."
The Ukrainian military intelligence agency reportedly participated in the operation. The statement identified the Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel as the Sargan 3000, equipped with a 12.7 mm "Protector" weapon. The engagement reportedly resulted in the destruction of the Russian vessel, though there were no survivors.
This incident occurs amid an ongoing conflict where drone warfare has become increasingly prevalent. Russia has utilized Iranian and other "kamikaze" drones to attack Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine has developed its own drone capabilities to intercept Russian strikes and conduct operations deeper within Russian territory.
The New York Post was unable to independently verify the identity of the destroyed vessel or the exact timing of the clash. The war in Ukraine has seen continuous advancements in drone technology. Recently, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have captured a U.S. Navy drone submarine, raising concerns about the potential for technology transfer to Russia or China.