On the night of 4/12, Russia's elite Rubikon Center, a unit operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), announced it successfully intercepted a Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Black Sea. The USV was attempting to attack the Crimea peninsula. Russian reconnaissance forces detected the vessel, which was carrying AIM-9 air-to-air missiles, and relayed target data to the Lancet UAV operating unit. The target was destroyed in an area approximately 104 km from the launch platform.

A video released by the Rubikon Center shows a Russian reconnaissance UAV tracking the Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel as it continuously maneuvered at sea. Subsequent footage, extracted from the Lancet UAV's sensors, depicts the Lancet diving towards the target, striking the rear of the vessel where the engine compartment and two AIM-9M missile mounts were located.

The precise strike caused the Ukrainian unmanned surface vessel to halt. The impact also ignited fuel within the AIM-9M missiles on board, causing the vessel to spin before sinking into the sea.

Ukrainian officials have not commented on the video.

Previously, Ukraine's Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) announced that its Ghost special forces unit had deployed long-range drones to attack a Russian MiG-29 fighter jet parked at Kacha airbase in Crimea, as well as an Irtysh surveillance radar deployed on the peninsula. Video released by Ukrainian intelligence showed drones approaching the MiG-29 fighter jet and the radar's protective dome, but the signal was lost as they neared the targets, leaving the outcome of the strike unclear.

Open-source statistics, based on verified imagery, indicate that Lancet UAVs have attacked over 4,000 Ukrainian targets since their first combat deployment in July 2022. The actual number may be higher, as the Russian military does not release many videos to maintain secrecy.

ZALA, the manufacturer of the Lancet UAV, stated that the version used by the Rubikon Center is equipped with a new generation of smart communication and guidance systems, capable of neutralizing highly maneuverable targets such as Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels. The manufacturer added that Russian forces have used Lancet UAVs to destroy at least 37 enemy maritime vehicles.

Ukrainian military sources and experts report that Russia has recently deployed upgraded Lancet variants. These versions can attack targets at greater distances and offer significantly enhanced accuracy, while also being more resistant to enemy electronic warfare systems.

Nguyen Tien (According to RIA Novosti, AFP, AP)