Ukraine presents underwater drone “Maricika”, a new system developed for naval operations. No GPS, no signal, no tracks
Ukraine unveiled a new unmanned underwater vehicle, dubbed “Maricika”, designed to strike military ships, ports and critical infrastructure. According to the Ukrainian publication Militarnyi, the system has an autonomy of up to 1,000 kilometers and could significantly expand Kiev's maritime capabilities.
Underwater drone Maricika/PHOTO:X
Developers say the drone represents an important step in the evolution of unmanned naval technologies used by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, particularly in the Black Sea area.
Technical capabilities and extended autonomy
“Maricika” is a large submersible vehicle designed to operate fully autonomously. One of its main features is its range, which, according to the manufacturers, allows reaching targets located anywhere in the Black Sea.
For comparison, the distance from the coast of Ukraine to Sevastopol is about 200 kilometers, and to the Russian port of Novorossiisk about 400 kilometers.
High load, low signature
The drone can carry a payload of over one ton, which allows it to be configured for different types of missions. This capability would make it suitable for attacking large warships as well as port infrastructure or strategic targets such as bridges.
Travel speed is estimated at approximately 10 kilometers per hour. Although relatively low, this is considered a stealth advantage, as quiet engines reduce the acoustic signature and make detection by sonar systems difficult.
Navigation without radio signal
Unlike many unmanned systems that rely on GPS, “Maricika” uses an inertial navigation system. This allows it to move without emitting radio signals that could be intercepted or jammed.
According to the developers, the drone is able to follow its trajectory even in conditions of intense electronic warfare, which gives it a high degree of operational autonomy.
The ability to wait for the right moment
Another feature mentioned is the ability for the drone to stop at a predetermined point and stay there for long periods of time — days or even weeks — before continuing its mission.
This function would allow the prior positioning of the system in strategic areas, the attack being able to be launched at a chosen moment, difficult for the adversary to anticipate.
The materials used for the construction of the case would be chosen to reduce radar, magnetic and visual detectability, according to information made public at the presentation.
The developers state that “Maricika” has passed all stages of testing, but to date there is no public information confirming its use in combat operations. The system would be ready for series production.
Potential impact on maritime security
Military analysts say that the introduction of underwater drones of this type could significantly complicate Russian naval defenses in the Black Sea. So far, Ukraine has demonstrated the effectiveness of surface maritime drones, and a submersible system would add a new dimension to existing threats.
Ports, anchorage areas and coastal infrastructure would require additional protection measures, as traditional surface drone defenses are not always effective against underwater threats.
The long range would mean that targets previously considered relatively safe — including Russian ports on the Black Sea — could fall into the potential risk zone.
Earlier, the authorities in Kiev announced that Ukraine has switched to mass production of maritime drones and plans to expand the range of unmanned systems used in naval operations.
