Ukrainian naval drone sinks Russian kamikaze drone in Black Sea — Ars Technica
A Ukrainian Sargan-3000 unmanned surface vehicle destroyed a Russian kamikaze drone in the Black Sea. Ars Technica reports that the interception took place on September 12 after representatives of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate detected a Russian unmanned surface vehicle and directed a Ukrainian Navy drone toward it.
According to naval analyst H. I. Sutton, the Russian vehicle was identified as an Orcan surface drone with a controlled jet-ski-type waterjet propulsion system. Such a vehicle is designed to ram a target and explode.
Strike from a distance of one kilometer
The Sargan-3000 was equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station featuring a 12.7 mm machine gun made by Norwegian company Kongsberg. The Ukrainian Navy released a video showing the vehicle firing at the Russian drone from a distance of about one kilometer.
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According to the state media platform United24, the fire disabled the Russian drone’s communications antenna. After further shelling, the vehicle sank. Sutton told New Scientist that a clash between unmanned surface vehicles was inevitable, as similar confrontations had already been seen in the air and on land.
Characteristics of the Sargan-3000
Ukrainian media reported that the Sargan-3000 can reach speeds of 40 to 55 knots, has a range of up to 1,600 kilometers, and can carry up to 450 kilograms of payload. The vehicle can also be equipped with an explosive charge for ramming attacks. The Ukrainian Navy stated that in July 2026, such a drone struck and sank the Russian border patrol ship Izumrud.
According to Sutton, Orcan drones have already been used to attack Ukrainian ports and vessels. They can operate together with Russian Geran drones, which conduct aerial reconnaissance and can maintain communication between operators and naval drones.
