A groundbreaking advancement in Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities has been unveiled, marking a new phase in battlefield tactics. According to Forbes, Ukrainian forces have successfully modified the combat-tested Shrike drone to operate underwater, significantly enhancing its stealth potential. This revelation, first analysed by Forbes’ technology correspondent David Hambling, is based on footage shared by Ukrainian electronic warfare expert Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov.
The adaptation of the Shrike drone suggests a shift in warfare strategy, expanding the battleground beyond land and air into the depths of rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. Traditional multicopters are not designed for underwater manoeuvres, but as Hambling explains, this may not be a limitation. The key advantage is the drone’s ability to land on water and remain hidden, awaiting an optimal moment to launch an attack. Beskrestnov has hinted that this new technology is even more sophisticated than what is publicly visible, suggesting further undisclosed capabilities.
The Shrike drone has already demonstrated its effectiveness in combat. In 2023, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, confirmed the acquisition of more than 1,500 Shrike units through the Army of Drones initiative. The drones have played a critical role in battle, with reports from October 2023 indicating that a single operation saw 35 Shrike drones successfully destroy eight tanks and four personnel carriers in a Russian convoy.
While the concept of submersible drones is not entirely new, previous models have struggled with practical military applications. Early examples date back to the 1920s, while modern developments include the US Office of Naval Research’s experimental designs and similar efforts by Chinese manufacturers. However, Ukraine’s adaptation of the Shrike drone appears uniquely tailored to a specific battlefield challenge: deploying hidden ambush points in waterways.
Experts believe this innovation could prove particularly effective in Ukraine’s diverse landscape, where water bodies such as lakes, canals, and the numerous water-filled craters formed by artillery strikes offer natural concealment. Hambling highlights that these drones could be strategically positioned along Russian supply routes, making ambush detection increasingly difficult.
Ukraine has continuously demonstrated its ability to innovate on the battlefield, modifying commercial drone technology to counter Russian electronic warfare measures. Recent examples include the use of fibre-optic controlled drones to avoid jamming. The ability to submerge and launch from underwater presents another significant tactical advantage, making it harder for Russian forces to pre-empt or counter drone attacks.
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