Ukraine has introduced “Ursula,” a compact unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed specifically for river operations and described by some as the world’s smallest aircraft carrier due to its ability to transport drones for reconnaissance and attack missions.
Developed by the Ukrainian firm NoviTechNet, Ursula measures just about one meter (approximately three feet) in length. Its small size and silent battery-electric propulsion enable the craft to navigate stealthily through river networks and canals.
Ukrainian developers have unveiled a compact unmanned surface vessel named “Ursula,” designed for reconnaissance missions and as a launch platform for FPV drones. Its small size makes it harder to detect and hit. pic.twitter.com/InSCf5XALx
— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) July 14, 2025
The Association of Ukrainian Engineers, announcing the project, emphasized Ursula’s multipurpose capabilities, particularly suited for reconnaissance missions along rivers such as the Dnipro and Konka in Ukraine’s contested Kherson region.
Ursula’s most distinctive capability is its potential role as a miniature aircraft carrier. It can transport a single FPV (First-Person View) drone, facilitating drone deployment closer to enemy positions. By conserving the drone’s battery life, Ursula extends its operational reach.
While not designed for the harsh conditions of the Black Sea, Ursula’s construction makes it ideally suited for quieter and calmer river environments, where larger and heavier USVs would be less effective.
Ursula joins another Ukrainian-developed small river drone known as Black Widow 2. Introduced in early 2025, Black Widow 2 also measures about one meter long, can reach speeds up to 40 km/h (about 25 mph), and carries a payload of up to 3 kilograms of explosives.
Ukraine unveils a new Naval Kamakazi Drone.
The Black Widow 2.
It’s 1 meter long, weighing 8KG with a 3kg payload and can travel at 40km per hour. pic.twitter.com/pdznCZaP30
— Bricktop_NAFO (@Bricktop_NAFO) January 7, 2025
