Sea Baby: The Ukrainian Navy's 'Bridge Killer' Maritime Drone

The July 17 attack on the Kerch Bridge is one of the more successful, and noteworthy, maritime drone attacks. Now, via an exclusive with CNN, the Ukrainian government has revealed more details about the drones used.

The USV (uncrewed surface vessel) is a previously unseen variation. Given the nickname 'Sea Baby', the design features a new hull design with a rising skiff-like bow. More significantly, yet unseen, it may have been equipped with a special warhead. Reports indicate a 860kg warhead, much larger than the other models.

A) External containers, possibly for additional fuel. B) Radome, likely for communications. C) Electro-optical device.

It is unclear whether this is the latest variant, or specific to the bridge mission. Available images suggest that at least 5 of this design have been built. And at least two have been expended attacking the Kerch Bridge. However imagery of attacks on ships generally show different models.

---

Related articles (Full index of popular Covert Shores articles)
Ukraine's Maritime Drones (USVs)
Russia's Sarma-D XLUUV
Nerpa anti-diver UUV
Ukraine's Marichka Underwater Drone (AUV)