Ukraine is exploring the possibility of equipping its maritime drones with Western made man portable air defence systems (MANPADS) such as the FIM 92 Stinger and the British Starstreak missile system. This development marks a significant step in Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian air superiority and expand the combat capabilities of its unmanned naval fleet.
The commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Vadym Sukharevskyi, discussed this advancement in an interview with Defence24. He highlighted the growing role of maritime drones as fully functional combat platforms capable of carrying a variety of weaponry. The integration of MANPADS onto naval drones would significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to engage enemy aircraft, thereby improving both the effectiveness and survivability of these unmanned systems in combat.
| Weapon System | Type | Function | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIM 92 Stinger | MANPADS | Short range air defence | United States |
| Starstreak | MANPADS | High velocity missile for air defence | United Kingdom |
| R 73 | Air to air missile | Infrared guided missile | Russia (captured stock) |
Sukharevskyi stated that the deployment of such systems on naval drones could play a decisive role in regaining control over the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, particularly in operations aimed at liberating Crimea. This would weaken Russia’s ability to dominate these waters through its air and naval forces.
Ukraine has already made progress in integrating air to air weaponry onto unmanned platforms. On the night of 31 December 2024, the Ukrainian Defence Forces successfully used an armed maritime drone carrying R 73 missiles to down two Russian air targets. The R 73 is a short range infrared guided missile that does not require radar for targeting, making it a practical choice for unmanned systems.
The continuous development of Ukraine’s naval drones is a crucial part of the country’s broader military strategy. The ability to mount advanced missile systems on these platforms could transform the battlefield by limiting Russian air superiority and enhancing Ukraine’s capacity for defensive and offensive operations at sea. The integration of Stinger and Starstreak MANPADS represents a further evolution in this technological race.
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