PARIS, — June 15, 2026 : Ukraine has publicly unveiled a new heavy autonomous underwater drone, known as the Sea Trident, at the Eurosatory 2026 international defense and security exhibition in Paris. Developed by Ukrainian defense company Global Mark, the platform is designed to conduct long-range maritime operations in contested environments while maintaining a low-observable profile and operating with a high degree of autonomy.
The unveiling marks another step in Ukraine’s ongoing effort to expand its portfolio of unmanned naval systems, which has grown significantly in recent years through the development of both surface and underwater platforms.
Heavyweight Autonomous Platform
According to technical specifications released by Global Mark, the Sea Trident is a heavyweight autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) weighing 10,000 kilograms and capable of carrying payloads of up to 1,000 kilograms. The platform is intended to perform extended missions that require endurance, stealth, and the ability to transport substantial payloads over long distances.
The drone measures 10 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 1.5 meters in height. It has a maximum operational range of up to 2,000 nautical miles, allowing it to operate far beyond coastal waters and support missions deep into contested maritime areas.
Sea Trident travels at a cruising speed of 6 knots (approximately 11 km/h) and can reach a maximum speed of 10 knots (18.5 km/h). The vehicle is capable of operating at depths of up to 60 meters, making it suitable for missions in coastal zones as well as other strategically important maritime regions.
Designed for Stealth Operations
A key feature of the Sea Trident is its low-observable design, which is intended to reduce the likelihood of detection during operations. According to the developer, the vehicle can travel at shallow depths of around 5 meters below the surface before descending deeper when required by mission conditions.
Combined with autonomous navigation and adaptive control systems, this operating profile enables the drone to move through contested maritime environments while maintaining a limited signature. The platform is designed to carry out missions with minimal human intervention and can independently navigate over long distances.
Multiple Mission Roles
Global Mark says the Sea Trident has been designed as a multi-role underwater platform capable of supporting several operational tasks.
One of its primary missions is long-range strike operations, allowing the drone to deliver heavy payloads against strategic maritime targets, including naval vessels, port infrastructure, and other critical assets.
The platform is also intended for logistics and cargo transport, enabling autonomous delivery of supplies through waters where conventional vessels may face increased risks or operational restrictions.
In addition, Sea Trident has been developed for counter-drone operations, with the capability to detect, intercept, and neutralize hostile unmanned underwater vehicles. This role could support maritime security missions and the protection of naval assets against emerging underwater threats.
Part of Ukraine’s Expanding Unmanned Maritime Fleet
The introduction of the Sea Trident follows a series of Ukrainian developments in the unmanned maritime sector. Ukraine has previously fielded and demonstrated several unmanned surface vessels, including the Magura V5 and Sea Baby, which have been used extensively in operations in the Black Sea.
Ukrainian developers have also increased their focus on underwater systems. In 2025, an updated version of the smaller Toloka underwater drone was presented, while information has previously emerged regarding the Marichka unmanned underwater vehicle program.
The Sea Trident represents a larger and more capable addition to this growing family of unmanned maritime platforms, expanding Ukraine’s ability to conduct autonomous operations beneath the surface.
Displayed at Eurosatory 2026
The Sea Trident was showcased at the Ukrainian pavilion during Eurosatory 2026, one of the world's largest defense and security exhibitions, held in Paris from June 15 to June 19.
The unveiling comes as Ukraine’s defense industry significantly increases its presence at the event. Approximately 80 Ukrainian companies are participating in this year’s exhibition, compared with around 10 companies in 2024, reflecting the rapid expansion of the country's defense technology sector.
Photos displayed at the exhibition, including images published by Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi, showed the Sea Trident platform alongside its propulsion system and other technical components.
Seeking Development and Production Partners
Global Mark indicated that the Sea Trident remains in the prototype stage and that the company is seeking international partners for further development, testing, and potential production.
The presentation of the platform highlights Ukraine’s continued emphasis on autonomous and unmanned systems as part of its broader defense modernization efforts. By expanding its fleet of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, Ukraine aims to develop a comprehensive maritime capability capable of conducting reconnaissance, strike, logistics, and security missions in increasingly complex operational environments.
The Sea Trident’s debut at Eurosatory 2026 underscores the growing importance of autonomous naval technologies within Ukraine’s defense industry and reflects the country’s ongoing investment in next-generation maritime systems.
——— End of Article ———
