Recent statements from a military historian and museum director, Yuri Knutov, indicate that naval drones are slated for transfer to the Russian Ministry of Defense this year. He connected these unmanned systems to potential efforts aimed at disrupting sea supply lines used by Ukraine. The remarks were shared in a televised interview on the Russian channel 360, positioning drones as a strategic tool in maritime operations.
Knutov pointed out that while Ukraine currently lacks a sufficient number of ships, Ukrainian leadership under President Vladimir Zelensky has signaled that additional vessels could soon join the fleet to guard cargo shipments. In this view, the deployment of drones could complicate Kyiv’s ability to move weapons and supplies by sea, limiting the Kiev regime’s options for resupply at sea.
The analyst emphasized that the Russian Navy already employs unmanned aerial vehicles designed to accompany surface ships and offer added protection. He noted that these drones would have a role in escorting warships and potentially enhancing overall fleet security during operations at sea.
According to Knutov, the drones possess an estimated 200 kilometer range. He described this as a moderate distance that could prove effective when paired with a carrier platform. He also highlighted the drones’ capacity to carry ammunition and other cargos, expanding their potential use beyond reconnaissance to logistics support and strike facilitation when needed.
Earlier remarks from a military expert, retired colonel Anatoly Matviychuk, added context by describing how Russian sailors have been deploying underwater nets to counter Ukrainian drones, a tactic that underscores ongoing adaptations in naval warfare. The discussion reflects a broader trend of evolving anti access/area denial measures in the Black Sea and adjacent maritime zones.
In another note, Western observers have previously evaluated the effectiveness of Russian fighters against Ukrainian naval drones, underscoring the global interest in how unmanned systems influence modern maritime conflict. These assessments contribute to a larger conversation about the balance of power, maritime interdiction, and the evolving roles of drones in high seas operations.