Ukraine wins first reported naval drone‑on‑drone battle in the Black Sea

Ukraine's Navy reports the world's first naval battle between two unmanned surface vessels, with a Ukrainian Sargan-3000 USV destroying a Russian Orcan-type drone boat in the Black Sea in mid-September. The engagement, confirmed by an 81-second video, marks a milestone in drone warfare.

Ukraine's Navy has announced what it describes as the world's first naval battle between two unmanned surface vessels, claiming that a Ukrainian Sargan-3000 drone boat destroyed a Russian Orcan-type USV in the Black Sea in mid-September. The Ukrainian Navy released an 81-second video showing the encounter, which includes onboard camera views and aerial imagery from an unidentified surveillance platform. According to the statement, the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) detected the target, and the Sargan-3000, equipped with a Kongsberg Protector 12.7 mm remote weapon station, approached and opened fire. The footage shows the Ukrainian USV tracking the Russian craft, firing bursts, and continuing the attack as debris breaks off the Russian vessel's hull until it sinks. The Ukrainian Navy did not specify the exact time or place of the engagement. The report notes that Ukrainian USVs have destroyed Russian ships both at port and at sea, hitting over 100 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea over the summer. The Sargan-3000 is a multi-purpose unmanned vessel operated by the Ukrainian Navy, distinct from the Sea Baby and Magura platforms used by other Ukrainian agencies. The article also notes that the Sargan-3000 participated in NATO's REPMUS exercise in Portugal in September, where Ukraine led the Opposing Force for the first time in NATO history.