Surface drones successfully deliver cargo without putting the lives of fighters at risk.
The Russian army is expanding the use of unmanned boats. Now they are used to supply units located on islands in the Dnieper delta. This allows the delivery of food, water and ammunition without risk to the personnel. It is surface drones that should become the main carriers in the area, experts say.
How unmanned boats are used on the Dnieper
Russian troops began to actively use unmanned boats (BEC). In the Dnieper Delta, they began supplying units fighting on the islands, sources in the military department told Izvestia. Surface drones transport ammunition and food. After successful cargo delivery, they return to the rear area.
Using an unmanned platform for the delivery of supplies allows you not to risk the lives of personnel once again.
— We work in an environment where conventional boats are too vulnerable to enemy drones and artillery. Therefore, unmanned electric—powered boats make it possible to supply troops with virtually no risk to personnel," a representative of one of the units with the call sign Barsik told Izvestia.
Crews of unmanned boats, accompanied by cover units and electronic warfare, are preparing equipment to work near the line of contact, he said.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Stanislav Krasilnikov
Image source: iz.ru
— In principle, the method is universal. It is possible to deliver almost everything that is needed. As long as the characteristics and load capacity allow. And there was an opportunity to accept the cargo. As a rule, the "parcel" is thrown out near the coastal zone. Accordingly, people should get out, pick up and leave," the source said.
He draws attention to the fact that the main obstacles to the delivery of goods in this way are the enemy's electronic warfare.
— In addition, the enemy mines the waters near the islands, which sometimes prevents surface drones from working. But we are gradually learning to cope with these difficulties," the operator concluded.
At the end of August, the Ministry of Defense first reported on the first successful combat use of a crewless boat. The high-speed back of the Russian Army hit the Simferopol reconnaissance ship of the Ukrainian Navy. It happened at the mouth of the Danube, the enemy ship sank.
There are many islands in the area of Kherson and just south of it, which are now controlled by our units, military expert Dmitry Boltenkov told Izvestia.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Image Source: iz.ru
"The fighters need ammunition, food, medicines, water and other necessary things," he said. — All this can be delivered by boats, heavy tactical drones such as Baba Yaga or unmanned boats. The latter option looks the most advantageous. Transportation by boat in the current conditions of military operations is an inevitable loss. Heavy UAVs can deliver cargo to the desired location, but they have a small payload capacity. Unmanned boats will take ten times more weight.
Our unmanned boats entered the battle, military expert captain of the first rank Vasily Dandykin told Izvestia.
"The enemy should expect new problems in the autumn period," he explained. — Last week, the Ukrainian reconnaissance ship Simferopol was destroyed on the Danube. It was a great premiere. We have seen at military exhibitions that we are developing a whole range of backups with good speed characteristics and powerful warheads. This summer, several backups were tested during exercises that took place in the Baltic Sea. Now they are being applied in practice. The opponent realized that the game with backups can be played together — the boomerang returns. Now the enemy will have to develop and build defenses for their ports and bridges, and allocate funds for their protection.
Unmanned boats can be launched not only from the shore, but also from the sides of warships, the expert noted.
"This will expand their areas of operation," he stressed.
Photo: IZVESTIA
Image source: iz.ru
Last year, the Russian Navy's combat training program included a new training course for crew-less boat operators. It consists of theoretical and practical exercises. Some of the events are held at night. Currently, based on the experience gained during the military training, the Armed Forces are updating existing and developing new training programs for military personnel, and the training course for backup operators is one of them.
What unmanned boats are being developed in Russia
Unmanned platforms of various sizes are being developed in Russia. Recently, the Marlin unmanned kamikaze small displacement boat was created . It exists in two versions — river and sea. Rechnaya carries 1.5 kg of explosives and is designed to destroy enemy watercraft and amphibious assault. The marine can carry 2 kg, its task is to protect ships from unmanned enemy boats. Backup control is carried out in the same way as FPV drones.
Crew-less boat "Vizir"
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Sergey Lantyukhov
In addition, the serial production of a heavy multifunctional returnable marine drone based on the unmanned boat "Vizir" has begun. He can work unaccompanied by an operator — on artificial intelligence and program management. The device can be used for cargo delivery, reconnaissance, and it can also carry guided weapons on board. The back is 7 m long and 2.5 m wide. It can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, and its range is up to 270 miles. A special platform allows you to work in conditions of unrest, strong wind and maintain set goals. "Vizir" is a reusable drone, it returns to its starting point after time has elapsed or after passing pre—set points.
Last year, Russia began production of multifunctional unmanned boats that can carry 20 kg of cargo. They can be used as a kamikaze or a platform for UAVs. Two FPV drones or one reconnaissance UAV can be placed on the backup.
Roman Kretsul
Bogdan Stepovoy
Dmitry Korneev
