Details of some of the new versions of Ukraine’s ‘Sea Baby’ uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) featuring gyro-stabilised guns and rocket launchers have been officially revealed for the first time.
And the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has also stated that it has already developed, tested and used further models of the USV in the Black Sea that it is not yet sharing publicly.
The upgraded Sea Baby platforms revealed by the SBU include a drone boat armed with a ten-round Grad multiple launch rocket system. Another variant features a gyro-stabilised machine gun mount with an auto-capture and target recognition system.
Other improvements to the USVs include upgraded engines and navigation systems, a range increase of about 300 miles to approximately 900 miles, and a doubling of their maximum payload capacity to two tonnes.
The SBU statement said both types of USV had been used in the most recent assault on the strategically vital Crimean Bridge over the Kerch Strait linking the Russian Taman Peninsula and the Kerch Peninsula in Crimea.
A third attack on the crossing in June 2025 saw underwater explosives detonated near its pillars, causing a temporary closure of the structure.
Head of the SBU Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk commented: “Our drones have changed the balance of power in the Black Sea and proven their effectiveness. The Sea Baby’s new generation is even more effective. Therefore, our efforts to clear the Black Sea of the Russian fleet will continue. The enemy will feel the full force of our technological developments.”
SBU Brigadier General Ivan Lukashevych added: “We are constantly looking for effective means to maintain Ukraine’s superiority in the Black Sea for as long as possible.”
Ukraine’s effective use of uncrewed platforms in the conflict to date has seen Russia opting to relocate most of its military vessels from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk.
- You can read more details on the SBU website