Russian forces are reportedly stepping up efforts to counter Ukraine’s uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), also known as kamikaze boats, which have inflicted heavy damage on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
Russian media released footage allegedly showing the destruction of a Ukrainian drone boat by an Orion unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a development that underscores Moscow’s evolving strategy in maritime drone warfare.
The video, published by Russian sources, claims to capture the moment an Orion UAV strikes a Ukrainian USV using an X-BPLA (TKB-1030) missile. The accompanying statement refers to the Ukrainian drone boat as a “BEK”—a term Russian media uses to describe these uncrewed vessels.
However, independent verification of the video’s authenticity remains uncertain. Some military analysts have pointed out that the targeted vessel in the footage appears stationary, suggesting that the strike may have been part of a training exercise rather than an actual battlefield engagement.
Russian Orion MALE drone destroys a Ukrainian unmanned explosive boat using a Vikhr missile. This is a much more efficient way of hunting USVs than using helicopters. pic.twitter.com/Bopwb3zjXv
— LogKa (@LogKa11) February 1, 2025
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the video, it is clear that Russia is actively seeking new ways to neutralize Ukraine’s maritime drone threat. Ukrainian USVs have repeatedly demonstrated their effectiveness in striking Russian warships, forcing Moscow to adapt its tactics in the Black Sea.
Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian drone boats have not only targeted Russian naval assets but have also successfully engaged Russian aircraft. In a notable incident on the night of December 30–31, Ukrainian forces downed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters that were attempting to intercept drone boats.
The loss of the two Mi-8 helicopters resulted in the deaths of 16 Russian servicemen, marking one of the most severe single-event casualties for Russia’s air units in recent months. The helicopters were deployed to counter Ukraine’s USVs, which continue to disrupt Russian operations in the Black Sea.
Each Mi-8 was reportedly carrying a reinforced crew of eight personnel, including machine gunners and FPV drone operators tasked with neutralizing Ukraine’s drone boats. These adaptations highlight Russia’s increasing reliance on aerial assets to counter Ukraine’s maritime drone operations, a shift that comes with significant risks.
Ukraine’s use of kamikaze boats has played a key role in challenging Russian naval dominance. The MAGURA V5, one of Ukraine’s most advanced USVs, has been used in precision strikes against Russian warships, proving difficult to intercept due to its speed and maneuverability.