Kyiv: Ukraine’s state security service, the SBU, has unveiled an upgraded version of its “Sea Baby” naval drone, now capable of operations across the entire Black Sea, carrying heavier arms, and using artificial intelligence for targeting.

The unmanned vessels, which have played a key role in Ukraine’s attacks on Russian ships and infrastructure, now feature an extended operational range of up to 1,500 km — up from 1,000 km — and can handle payloads of up to 2,000 kg. According to SBU officials, the new models include variants equipped with multiple-rocket launchers and stabilised machine-gun turrets.

At a demonstration attended by The Associated Press, SBU Brigadier General Ivan Lukashevych said the drones now integrate AI-assisted friend-or-foe targeting systems, can deploy small attack drones, and come with self-destruct mechanisms to prevent capture. “The SBU became the first in the world to pioneer this new kind of naval warfare — and we continue to advance it,” he said, describing the Sea Baby’s evolution from a single-use strike craft into a reusable, multipurpose platform.

Ukraine credits its naval drones with forcing Russia to shift its Black Sea Fleet from Sevastopol in Crimea to Novorossiysk on the Russian mainland. The SBU said Sea Baby drones have been used in at least 11 successful strikes on Russian vessels, including frigates and missile carriers, and in multiple attacks on the Crimean Bridge, targeting its underwater supports to disrupt Russian logistics.

Operated remotely from mobile control centres, the vessels rely on highly synchronised crews. “Cohesion of the crew members is probably the most important thing. We are constantly working on that,” said an operator identified only by his call sign, “Scout.”

The Sea Baby program, partially funded by public contributions through a government-run initiative, is coordinated with Ukraine’s military and political leadership. Lukashevych said the next-generation drones are fitted with rocket systems enabling long-range engagement beyond enemy fire zones. “We can use such platforms to carry heavy weaponry and strike from safer distances,” he said, adding that the technology showcases the effective use of citizen donations in strengthening Ukraine’s defence innovation.

With inputs from PTI