Through the publication of a series of images on its social media accounts, Ukrainian intelligence recently unveiled new modernized versions of its Sea Baby naval drones for operations in the Black Sea. These upgraded variants are primarily characterized by the incorporation of new offensive capabilities, including rocket launchers (MRLS) and a remote weapon station. In this way, Kyiv aims to equip the platform with elements that transform it into a multifunctional and reusable system, moving away from the “kamikaze drone” role by which it was previously known.
Expanding on the details revealed in the released material, the new modernized Sea Baby naval drones feature a 122 mm Grad rocket launcher with ten tubes, providing the platform with considerable firepower. In the case of those equipped with a gyrostabilized, remotely operated machine gun, the armament is a 12.7 mm caliber weapon, giving the drone greater self-defense capability against patrol boats or various types of aerial threats. In some configurations, both types of weapons are combined, complementing the platform’s heavy attack role with enhanced self-defense capabilities.
The known upgrades are not limited to new types of armament but also include an increase in both maximum range and payload capacity. Specifically, Ukrainian intelligence officials indicated that the new Sea Baby models have extended their operational range from 1,000 kilometers to 1,500, which analysts regard as a substantial improvement. As for payload, each unit’s capacity has been increased from 1,000 kilograms to 2,000, allowing the transport of new rocket launchers and machine guns—or alternatively, larger explosive charges for its previous attack role.
It is worth recalling that these naval drones have already played a significant role in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict since their introduction into service in 2023. One of the most illustrative examples was their use in the Ukrainian attack on the Kerch Bridge in June of that year, which caused severe damage to one of the main infrastructure links connecting to the Crimean Peninsula. They were also used in attacks against Russian warships in the Black Sea, forcing Moscow to acquire new radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, and short-range weapons to counter them, as well as to relocate assets to safer distances from the front lines.
Regarding these matters, Ukrainian Brigadier General Iván Lukashevich said: “The SBU is the ideologue of a new type of naval warfare. We are constantly seeking effective means to maintain Ukraine’s superiority in the Black Sea for as long as possible. The task of President Volodimir Zelensky is to neutralize the powerful Russian Black Sea Fleet. We are actively working on that.”
Image credits: SBU
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