Crimea Under Attack by Ukrainian Sea Drones (Video)

(Crimea) – Ukrainian forces have conducted precision strikes on Russian military facilities in Crimea using upgraded Sea Baby naval drones. The operation involved a deceptive strategy and showcased new drone capabilities, including FPV (First Person View) drones and onboard machine guns.

Ukrainian forces executed a misleading operation in the days leading up to the main attack. This involved targeting several Russian air defence assets across Crimea, including a Podlyot mobile radar system in the northwest and an S-400 air defence system near Simferopol. This activity led Russian forces to anticipate an aerial assault, diverting their attention from a potential maritime attack.

A Russian military analyst reported a Ukrainian raid in the Black Sea, noting attacks on gas platforms used by Russia for visual and radar observation. The analyst highlighted that the Ukrainian forces employed not only traditional naval drones but also modernised versions capable of carrying FPV drones for independent strikes. The analyst also noted that some Ukrainian naval drones disappeared during the night attack, suggesting previously unseen operational capabilities.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) later released geolocated footage confirming the attacks. The footage showed Ukrainian naval drones destroying Russian surveillance systems on gas platforms off Crimea’s west coast in the Black Sea. These platforms have been repeatedly targeted, as Russia uses them for surveillance and for launching missiles against Ukrainian cities and military positions.

A key development in the Sea Baby drones is the addition of large-calibre 12.7-millimeter machine guns integrated with advanced ballistic targeting systems capable of auto-locking onto incoming threats. Previously, the drones’ primary weakness was their vulnerability to helicopter attacks, as they could only evade fire.

Footage released by the Ukrainian Navy from this recent operation shows the drones successfully repelling Russian helicopters and patrol boats. The drones engaged these vessels as soon as they were in range, reportedly inflicting significant damage and casualties on Russian personnel.

The ability of the drones to return fire disrupted Russian interception attempts, making it more difficult for Russian forces to neutralise them. It also allowed the drones to retreat safely back into the open sea and return to base. This instilled further shock into the involved Russian personnel. These upgrades mark a significant advancement in the drones’ tactical and technological capabilities, transforming them into versatile combat platforms.

Sea Baby drones are now capable of multi-role operations for maximum tactical advantage. In addition to enhanced firepower, they also serve as platforms for smaller FPV drones, which can independently strike targets such as coastal defence systems, patrol boats, and helicopters. This dual-layered approach enables Ukrainian forces to carry out precision strikes while simultaneously defending the naval drones against air and surface threats. This was demonstrated in the recent raid, where carried FPV drones facilitated the coordinated assault and effective post-strike monitoring.

The evolution of the Sea Baby drone demonstrates Ukraine’s adaptive and innovative approach to modern warfare. By addressing critical vulnerabilities, integrating new capabilities, and repeatedly targeting high-value assets like the Crimean Bridge and Russian naval infrastructure, these drones continue to shift the balance in contested areas like the Black Sea. The new sea drones serve not only as tools for direct strikes but also as instruments of psychological and operational leverage, capable of conducting hit-and-run strikes against long-distance targets on the open seas.