The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video last week showing a unit from the Baltic Fleet using an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) to attack a simulated enemy warship. The boat approached the target and exploded on impact, causing a large explosion.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the USV exercise was part of a larger training session involving various warships, helicopters, aircraft, and unmanned vessels. This activity was part of the large-scale "Ocean Shield 2023" exercise conducted by the Russian navy from 23/7-27/7.
Jake Epstein, military editor for Business Insider, suggested on 28/7 that the exercise "doesn't appear to be aimed at Ukraine, which no longer has a conventional navy, but could be aimed at NATO forces".
Russian unmanned boat attacking a simulated target in a video released on 26/7. Video: Russian Ministry of Defense
Russian media reported in May that the entire Russian navy would be adding regiments operating aerial, ground, surface, and underwater drones. These new units will be responsible for reconnaissance, destroying enemy drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and suicide boats, as well as minesweeping at sea.
This move could pose a new threat to the Ukrainian military. A former senior Ukrainian officer acknowledged that Ukraine "will face some difficulties, and the situation in the Black Sea will become more tense with more combat operations".
"Russia doesn't have many means to counter Ukrainian USVs. They often deploy aircraft to intercept unmanned boats instead of using patrol boats. Establishing a drone naval command and having appropriate equipment will help Russia better respond to USV attacks," the former officer stated.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict and recent conflicts in the Middle East also demonstrate that NATO warships will face a dangerous new phase of warfare, with increasing threats from enemy warships, torpedoes, and missiles, as well as new weapons like UAVs and USVs.
High-intensity combat operations in the Red Sea have revealed limitations in Western warships, including ammunition readiness and reload speed, as well as the quantity of weapons each ship carries.
The cost of countering these threats is also an issue for navies. The US Navy and some allies have repeatedly used missiles costing millions of USD to intercept inexpensive Houthi missiles, UAVs, and USVs in the Red Sea.
Nguyen Tien (According to RIA Novosti, Business Insider, AP)
