In the ongoing conflict in the Black Sea, a notable development has emerged: Ukraine is apparently arming its uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), or drone boats, with heat-seeking air-to-air missiles. This adaptation aims to provide protection against Russian helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft increasingly countering Ukrainian USVs. Despite the novelty of this approach, questions linger about its functionality and practicality.
Videos released by the Russian Ministry of Defense depict a Ukrainian USV armed with an infrared-guided R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range air-to-air missile being targeted by a Russian Navy Ka-29 Helix-B assault helicopter. The USV attempts evasive maneuvers but is ultimately destroyed, possibly by gunfire. Notably, one R-73 missile is visible on the USV, indicating its use, while reports suggest older R-60 (AA-8 Aphid) missiles have also been adapted for USV use.
The adaptation of air-to-air missiles for USVs appears rudimentary, with signals to fire likely transmitted through existing command links. Although not yet employed in combat, these missiles pose a threat to Russian helicopters, which are deemed effective against Ukrainian USVs.
Simultaneously, Ukraine reported successful attacks on Russian naval targets using Magura V5 USVs. These attacks, occurring in Russian-occupied Crimea, demonstrate ongoing Ukrainian efforts to counter Russian presence in the region.
A GUR official said the Russian vessel was a Project 12150 Mangust, as used by the Russian Border Service, with a reported price tag of more than $1.3 million. Other accounts suggest the vessel may have been a Swedish-designed IC16MII assault boat.
“As the fear of Ukrainian attacks forces the occupiers to hide the large ships of the Black Sea Fleet away from the peninsula, combat work continues against the high-speed maneuverable warships of the Russians, which are illegally in the Ukrainian territorial waters of Crimea,” the GUR said.
While the effectiveness of USV-launched air-to-air missiles remains uncertain, their potential to disrupt Russian operations is evident. The use of high-off-boresight (HOBS) R-73 missiles enables remote engagement of dynamic targets, expanding Ukraine’s military capabilities.
The adaptation of R-73 missiles for surface launch is unprecedented, signaling Ukraine’s willingness to innovate amidst conflict. Despite potential limitations, such as reduced missile range and kill probability, the threat to Russian rotorcraft may compel them to operate farther from USVs, diminishing their effectiveness.
The rapid evolution of the Black Sea drone war underscores the dynamic nature of modern warfare and the strategic maneuvers of both Ukrainian and Russian forces. Ukraine’s experimentation with unorthodox military solutions reflects its adaptive approach to confrontational scenarios.
In short, Ukraine’s integration of air-to-air missiles onto USVs marks a significant development in the Black Sea conflict. While the practicality and effectiveness of this adaptation remain uncertain, it symbolizes Ukraine’s commitment to leveraging unconventional tactics to counter Russian aggression. As the conflict continues to evolve, the cat-and-mouse game between Ukrainian USVs and Russian defenses persists, shaping the dynamics of the Black Sea theater.
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