The Russian navy is forming drone units that analysts say are likely intended to protect vulnerable warships from intensified Ukrainian strikes on the country’s naval assets in the Black and Azov seas.
Adm. Alexander Moiseyev, the commander-in-chief of the Russian navy, said the service’s first unmanned systems regiment was formed on July 1. He said there are plans to expand the capabilities of drones throughout the navy, according to the Institute for the Study of War think tank.
Ukrainian forces have actively targeted Russian warships and “shadow fleet” cargo vessels in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov using drones. The attacks have severely restricted Russian military logistics, fuel distribution, and transport capacity connected to occupied Crimea.
The ISW said Sunday that Russia began forming dedicated Unmanned Systems Forces in 2024 to centralize drone operations. They are currently operating on the front lines in Ukraine.
“The newly announced unmanned systems regiments will be subordinate to the Russian navy and appear to be separate from USF, which has operated in support of Russian ground forces in Ukraine,” ISW analysts said.
The expansion of the USF and the creation of a Russian navy drone force is a reflection of the way the Kremlin is attempting to integrate unmanned systems throughout the military, the ISW said.
Russian forces have implemented a wide range of measures to defend against Kyiv’s intensifying intermediate-range strike campaign against occupied Ukraine and Russia by relocating and dispersing ships, installing anti-drone netting and introducing mobile task forces.
But they have “largely failed to defend against and adapt to Ukrainian strikes,” the ISW said.
Contact the author
Please read our comment policy before commenting.