Russian forces used an uncrewed surface vessel to strike a Ukrainian Navy reconnaissance ship in the Danube Delta on August 28, marking the first recorded instance of Russia employing naval drone technology against a Ukrainian warship.
The attack killed one crew member and wounded several others, according to Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk. “We confirm the fact of the strike on the ship, and the consequences of the attack are currently being assessed,” Pletenchuk told Ukrinform. “Most of the crew is safe. The search for several military sailors continues. Unfortunately, one crew member was killed, several were injured.”
Russian military sources claimed responsibility, stating the attack used a high-speed uncrewed surface vehicle at the mouth of the Danube River. The Russian Defense Ministry alleged the target was the medium reconnaissance ship Simferopol and claimed the vessel sank.
Ukrainian officials confirmed the strike but did not specify the ship’s name or verify its status. Two videos circulated on social media showing the attack from different perspectives.
The sinking of Ukrainian Naval “Reconnaissance” ship Simferopol in the Danube Delta by a Russian seaborne drone.
Interestingly, a Russian reconnaissance drone was able to film the strike unimpeded.
The ship was destroyed and sank pic.twitter.com/Oq2swpCsxP
— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) August 28, 2025
The Simferopol, if it was indeed the targeted vessel, represents a significant asset for Ukraine’s naval capabilities.
The ship operates as a Project Laguna medium reconnaissance vessel, designed for radio-electronic intelligence gathering based on the 502EM trawler project. The reconnaissance ship carries advanced electronic, radar, and optical surveillance systems with a maximum detection range of 280 miles and the capability to track up to 200 targets simultaneously.
The loss would constitute a major setback for Ukraine’s naval forces, which lost approximately 80 percent of their fleet during Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
The attack represents a tactical reversal in Black Sea operations, where Ukraine has successfully deployed naval drones to target Russian vessels.
Ukrainian forces have previously destroyed and damaged several Russian vessels, including the Caesar Kunikov landing ship, the Sergei Kotov patrol ship, and the Ivanovets missile corvette. Ukraine’s naval drones have also achieved unprecedented aerial kills, downing Russian helicopters and jets with air-to-air missiles.
Other navies have also tested similar naval drone technology, with France conducting explosive drone boat trials in April as part of its Seaquest S program amid rising global tensions.
Russia did not specify the type or capabilities of the naval drone used beyond its ability to stream video footage.
