Ukraine creates unique new generation maritime drone - media

Ukrainian engineers have created a new type of surface unmanned vessel capable of carrying and releasing multiple fiber optic drones from hinged compartments on the hull, a solution that experts say has no analogues in the world.

According to Forbes, this unmanned surface vessel is distinguished by its built-in compartments for fiber optic FPV drones, which remain connected to the carrier by cable during flight - thus avoiding exposure to electronic warfare. The first practical applications of such technologies, including attacks on the ports of Tuapse and Novorossiysk, have shown the effectiveness of launching fiber optic drones from surface platforms. Earlier, the Ukrainian Navy demonstrated the Magura drone carriers, which can launch FPV drones from internal modules.

Experts note that Ukrainian developments are focused on affordable, disposable, but effective drone systems that compensate for limited human resources through autonomy and scalability. Thus, Cornell University autonomous systems expert Gregory Falco points out the benefits of such technologies for military operations, and Roy Gardiner, an open-source weapons analyst, emphasizes that fiber-optic drones launched from offshore platforms allow to bypass electronic warfare and hit remote targets.

Samuel Bendett, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, also noted the uniqueness of the approach of Ukrainian engineers in creating multifunctional drones that are ahead of the products of some of the leading technology industries. Fiber-optic FPV drones transmit commands and data via a cable that is unwound during flight, which significantly increases their resistance to electronic interference and expands the tactical capabilities of surface operations.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, the Cabinet of Ministers plans to raise USD 120 billion for arms production in 2026.