Russia-Ukraine unmanned surface vessels clash for the first time in conflict

Ukraine releases video of an unmanned surface vessel attacking a similar Russian craft, marking the "first naval battle" involving this type of asset.

Units of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate detected a target, and a Sargan 3000 unmanned surface vessel (USV) of the Ukrainian Navy, equipped with a 12.7 mm remote-controlled machine gun, successfully destroyed it. The Ukrainian Navy announced that this was the "first naval battle in history between unmanned surface vessels," adding that the incident occurred in the Black Sea last weekend.

The accompanying video begins with footage from a camera mounted on the Sargan 3000, showing it firing upon another USV. The perspective then shifts to an aerial view from an uncrewed or crewed aerial vehicle. In the subsequent scene, the Ukrainian USV fires machine gun rounds at the Russian unmanned vessel until debris begins to scatter, causing the craft to sink.

USV Sargan 3000 of Ukraine sinks another USV in a video posted on 12/9. *Video: Ukrainian Navy*

The type of USV sunk remains unclear, but it appeared to be unarmed.

"It seems a historic event has occurred in the Black Sea. However, in this instance, the Ukrainian USV pursued and destroyed an unarmed vehicle. With the rapid weapon development by both sides, a confrontation between two armed USVs could happen soon," commented Howard Altman, editor for the US military news site War Zone.

Altman noted that one USV destroying another of its kind is a significant development, as these systems possess considerable lethality and are difficult to detect or destroy in open waters.

The ability to operate over long distances and for extended periods will help them hunt other unmanned surface vessels or serve in protecting seaports, ships, and targets previously attacked by USVs, according to the US expert.

Russia's Ministry of Defense has not commented on the information.

When it debuted in April, the Sargan 3000 USV was described as a multi-purpose vehicle with high maneuverability, capable of conducting attack missions. Although initially designed as a suicide weapon, it was later modified to carry remote-controlled weapons.

Sargan 3000 USV in a photo posted on 12/9. *Photo: RBC Ukraine*

AmalNews reports that the Sargan 3000 features a low-profile hull with distinctive hydrodynamic lines, constructed from radar-reducing materials. This vessel uses a waterjet propulsion system, likely powered by a diesel or hybrid engine, to ensure a long operational range.

Each Sargan 3000 is 6,9 m long, 2,2 m wide, has a maximum combat radius of 1.600 km, a payload capacity of 450 kg, and an estimated speed of 75-100 km/h. The manufacturer states it connects to the Delta situational awareness system, enabling it to "transmit target data, video, and telemetry to operators in real time."

The vessel possesses multi-channel control capability, including redundant satellite communication terminals. It utilizes automatic optical and inertial navigation systems to maintain operation in case of GPS jamming and integrates electronic countermeasures modules.

The Sargan 3000 has various variants, including models equipped with machine guns, rockets, first-person view (FPV) drones, as well as electronic warfare and mine-laying versions.

The first combat deployment of the Sargan 3000 appeared to be in July, when the Ukrainian Navy claimed it used one to destroy Russia's Izumrud patrol boat, belonging to the Russian coast guard.