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

Ukraine’s Navy says it has carried out what it describes as the world’s first naval battle between two unmanned surface vessels, claiming that one of its drone boats destroyed a Russian drone in the Black Sea.

While the Sargan 3000 has sunk Russian vessels in the past, the incident, which took place in mid-September, marks the first recorded case of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) sinking another USV in combat.

“Units of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) detected the target and the Ukrainian Navy’s Sargan 3000 unmanned boat, equipped with a remotely operated weapon station (RWS) Protector 12.7 millimeters, and successfully destroyed it,” the Ukrainian Navy wrote on Telegram, adding that “This is the first naval battle in history between unmanned boats.”

The Ukrainian Navy released an 81‑second video showing the encounter along with the statement but did not specify the exact time or place of the engagement. It also did not identify the Russian vessel in its initial statement, but it’s been reported to be an Orcan‑type USV, a small explosive‑laden drone boat used by Russia in attacks on Ukrainian ports and naval vessels.

The footage includes both onboard camera views and aerial imagery from an unidentified surveillance platform.

According to the Ukrainian Navy, the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR/GUR) first identified the Russian vessel. Then the Sargan‑3000, equipped with a Kongsberg Protector 12.7 mm. remote weapon station, approached and opened fire. Video footage shows the Ukrainian USV tracking the Russian craft, firing bursts from the machine gun, and continuing the attack as debris breaks off the Russian vessel’s hull. The Russian USV ultimately sinks.

USV time

While the Russia-Ukraine war has mainly focused on drones, Kyiv has operated USVs against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet since 2022, and by 2026, several distinct platforms were in service under different operators, including the Sea Baby, Magura, and Sargan-3000.

Ukraine's Security Service runs Sea Baby, which is used mainly against vessels moored in port; Magura USVs belong to Defence Intelligence and were built to engage warships underway, with later variants carrying air-to-air missiles. The navy operates the Sargan-3000, a multi‑purpose unmanned vessel with a low‑profile hull, waterjet propulsion, and modular payload options.

Ukrainian USVs have destroyed Russian ships both at port and at sea, and according to The Kyiv Post, it has dramatically expanded its operations, hitting over 100 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea over the summer.

“Our missiles, our unmanned systems, our interceptors, attack and naval drones, reconnaissance systems, artillery, our ammunition, armored vehicles, robotic platforms, and much more. All that today is truly proudly called – the weapons of Ukraine. They defend our skies, our cities and villages, save lives, and prove that “Made in Ukraine” is synonymous with effectiveness and strength,” Zelensky said in an address in April.

According to reports, the Sargan-3000 took part in NATO’s REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems) in Portugal in September, alongside dozens of other NATO countries to test and evaluate new maritime capabilities.

“For the first time in NATO’s history, Ukraine’s Navy led and coordinated the Opposing Force (OPFOR) during REPMUS/DYMS 2025 - an historic milestone that underscores Ukraine's growing role in NATO exercises. The training highlighted modern maritime warfare trends, particularly the use of unmanned systems for coordinated strikes and rapid threat response. In this strategic step forward, Ukraine’s leadership brought combat realism to the exercise, driving innovation and the development of new NATO tactics,” read a statement from NATO following the drill.