The Omega Special Purpose Center of the Ukrainian National Guard has developed its first unmanned surface vessel (USV). The boat was built by engineers of the unit in cooperation with a private IT company, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.
The platform can launch FPV attack drones, intercept aerial targets, support special operations by combat divers, and be used as a kamikaze boat. “Our boat is like a mothership that carries FPV drones, which then fly off to destroy the enemy,” said the commander of the Omega diving unit with the call sign Krava. Future versions are also expected to carry interceptor drones to protect the Ukrainian coast from Russian aerial threats.
The idea emerged during combat missions in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to Varyag, the commander of the special unit for unmanned systems of the diving unit. The unit already uses FPV drones there against Russian logistics and targets behind the front line. The new boat is intended to extend the range by bringing the drones closer to Russian positions. “That’s why we decided to create an unmanned surface vessel so that our presence is felt even deeper in the enemy’s rear and our drones can fly even farther,” Varyag said.
The National Guard said that Omega units in southern Ukraine have already destroyed numerous Russian targets, including military vehicles, armored equipment, fuel tankers, and electrical infrastructure. The deputy commander of the diving unit with the call sign Dart emphasized that integrating surface, underwater, and aerial drones is crucial to maintaining a technological edge over Russia. “Our goal is for technology to save the lives of our fighters while increasing the effectiveness of destroying the occupiers,” he said.
Source: www.kyivpost.com
