Ukraine says Russia may operate secret autonomous warship fleet

A catalog released by the agency, as reported by TechRadar, lists several unmanned boat models designed for combat, reconnaissance, and drone launch missions. Some of these platforms can travel hundreds of kilometers and reach speeds up to 55 knots without human intervention.

The Zefir and Orkan models reportedly cover up to 400 kilometers at 35 knots with a 400-kilogram cargo capacity. The BEK-1000 can haul one ton over 500 kilometers at 40 knots. The Katran is built to launch FPV drones from 100 to 200 kilometers offshore, while the Murena-300s extends its range to 500 kilometers and can carry an airborne drone that rises 100 meters above the water, fitted with torpedoes or FPV drones.

The inventory also includes scouting and mapping boats as well as combat platforms for coastal strikes and attacks on shipping. Earlier designs date back to 2014, with tests near Sevastopol in 2019. The Skanda offered a 150-kilometer range and speeds above 20 knots. The Iskatel can carry 600 kilograms at 25 knots for seven days. The Farvater catamaran covers 250 kilometers at 32 knots, while the shorter Trezubets reaches 30 knots with dual 320-horsepower motors. The Vizir-700 carries 600 kilograms at 80 kilometers per hour and is fitted with automatic weapons and rockets.

Collectively, these platforms point to a rapidly diversifying Russian fleet for both reconnaissance and offensive naval operations in contested maritime zones near Ukraine.

Against this backdrop, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for intensifying pressure inside Russian territory. "We need to bring the war back to the territory of Russia," he said at a youth forum on August 12, 2026. He also urged allied nations to reinforce air defense systems ahead of an anticipated Russian autumn mobilization drive.

Ukraine maintains that factories producing these vessels are legitimate military targets. Independent verification of the claims remains limited, and analysts caution that some figures may reflect aspirational rather than operational capability. Unmanned systems also remain vulnerable to jamming and detection under advanced electronic warfare conditions.

Ukraine's disclosure appears designed to draw global attention to Russia's expanding naval drone program before further escalation at sea.