Ukraine Unveils Advanced "Sea Baby" Naval Drones with 1500 Km Range

The Security Service of  Ukraine has showcased a new generation of its Sea Baby naval drones, marking a significant step in the country’s unmanned maritime capabilities. The upgraded drones are designed to operate across vast distances, carry heavier payloads, and feature advanced navigation and combat systems.

The Sea Baby drones can now cover more than 1,500 km and carry up to 2,000 kg of cargo. Reinforced engines and a modern navigation system make them more resilient and precise in challenging maritime environments.

During the demonstration, Ukraine presented two variants of the drone:

• The first is equipped with a gyro-stabilized machine gun mount featuring an auto-capture and target recognition system, allowing it to engage enemy vessels and drones with high accuracy.

• The second carries heavy weaponry, including a 10-round Grad multiple launch rocket system, capable of launching saturation strikes against ships or coastal targets.

These drones are more than just weapons platforms—they incorporate AI-driven targeting, electronic warfare resistance, and modular design, enabling rapid adaptation for different missions, from reconnaissance to direct strikes.

The Sea Baby drones have already shown their effectiveness in combat, reportedly contributing to attacks on multiple Russian vessels in the Black Sea, including frigates and missile carriers. Their presence has reportedly forced strategic shifts, such as the relocation of Russia’s main naval base from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk.

With plans to produce up to 4,000 units, half of which may be exported, Ukraine is positioning the Sea Baby drones as a potent asset in asymmetric naval warfare and a competitive product in the international unmanned maritime systems market.

The new Sea Baby drones highlight Ukraine’s growing capability to develop technologically advanced systems that can operate in contested environments, giving Kyiv a strategic edge in maritime operations.