On October 23, 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) showcased its latest innovation in naval warfare: two new weaponized versions of the much-discussed “Sea Baby” unmanned surface platform. These trials, held in the choppy waters of the Black Sea, mark a significant leap forward in Ukraine’s efforts to challenge Russia’s long-standing maritime dominance. The unveiling follows months of anticipation, with Kyiv banking on technological ingenuity to offset its smaller navy and keep Moscow’s forces on their toes.
According to NextGen Defense, the SBU’s demonstration introduced two distinct and formidable variants of the Sea Baby drone. The first is armed with a gyro-stabilized machine gun, boasting the ability to automatically track and identify targets—a feature that hints at a heavy dose of artificial intelligence under the hood. The second variant ups the ante with a multiple launch rocket system, capable of firing up to ten Grad munitions in rapid succession. Both platforms are engineered for endurance, able to cover over 1,500 kilometers (about 932 miles) while hauling a hefty payload of up to 2,000 kilograms (4,409 pounds). This kind of range and firepower, married to reinforced engines and a modernized navigation suite, signals a new era for Ukraine’s unmanned naval capabilities.
As reported by Newsweek, these upgrades are more than just technical milestones—they’re strategic game changers. Despite being dwarfed by the Russian navy, Ukraine has managed to deliver a series of stinging blows to Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet during President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion. The Sea Baby platform, which first grabbed headlines for its role in Ukraine’s daring June 2025 strikes on the Crimean Bridge, is now poised to further tilt the balance of power. That bridge, a potent symbol of Moscow’s grip on Crimea since its illegal annexation in 2014, has become a repeated target of Ukrainian ingenuity. The SBU’s new drones, with their expanded range and heavier weaponry, are set to keep the pressure on Russian supply lines and naval assets alike.
The SBU didn’t just stop at technical details during its October 23 demonstration. The event featured live displays of the new armaments, including the 10-round Grad multiple-rocket launcher and the gyro-stabilized machine-gun mount. These were not mere showpieces. Both weapon systems have already proven their mettle in recent operations, with Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly damaging Russian frigates and missile carriers. These attacks have had real consequences: Moscow has been forced to relocate its main Black Sea naval base from the historic port of Sevastopol in Crimea to Novorossiysk, further east along Russia’s own coastline.
“Our drones changed the balance of power in the Black Sea and increased their effectiveness. The new generation of ‘Sea Baby’ is even more effective,” stated Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine, as quoted by Newsweek. It’s a bold claim, but one that’s hard to dispute given recent events. The SBU, for its part, is keen to position itself as a global pioneer in this new form of naval warfare. Brigadier General Ivan Lukashevych emphasized this point to EuroNews, saying, “The SBU became the first in the world to pioneer this new kind of naval warfare—and we continue to advance it.”
What makes these advances even more remarkable is the grassroots support behind them. The development and deployment of the Sea Baby platform have been partly funded by ordinary Ukrainians through the United24 fundraising platform, a testament to the country’s collective resolve. This blend of public backing and cutting-edge engineering has allowed Ukraine to punch well above its weight in the Black Sea theater.
Of course, the implications of these new drones go far beyond the technical. Ukraine’s leadership hopes that the expanded capabilities of the Sea Baby will undermine Russia’s ability to project naval power and maintain vital maritime logistics. With the Black Sea serving as a crucial artery for military and commercial traffic alike, control over these waters carries enormous strategic weight. Kyiv’s unmanned platforms add a layer of unpredictability that Russian commanders must now account for in every operation.
Looking back, the Sea Baby’s operational history is already impressive. As noted by Newsweek, the platform was instrumental in the June 2025 strikes on the Crimean Bridge—a feat that not only embarrassed Moscow but also demonstrated the vulnerability of supposedly secure infrastructure. Since then, Ukrainian drone attacks have continued to harass Russian naval assets, forcing the Kremlin to adapt and redeploy. Each successful strike chips away at Russia’s aura of maritime invincibility and injects a healthy dose of caution into its planning.
The technology behind the Sea Baby isn’t just about brute force. The integration of artificial intelligence for target identification and tracking means that these drones can operate with a level of precision and autonomy that was unthinkable just a few years ago. This shift mirrors broader trends in modern warfare, where unmanned systems and smart weapons are reshaping the battlefield. For Ukraine, which faces a larger and better-equipped adversary, such innovations are not just helpful—they’re essential.
But what’s next for Ukraine’s maritime drone program? The SBU is keeping its cards close to the vest, but the message is clear: further strikes, especially against high-value targets like the Crimean Bridge, remain on the table. The new Sea Baby variants, with their enhanced range and payload, offer Kyiv more options than ever before. Whether these capabilities will translate into lasting strategic advantage remains to be seen, but for now, they represent a significant headache for Russian planners.
As the Black Sea becomes an increasingly contested arena, the world’s eyes are on Ukraine’s unmanned fleet. The Sea Baby’s evolution—from a novel experiment to a battle-tested weapon of war—underscores the country’s determination to rewrite the rules of naval engagement. With each new innovation, Ukraine sends a clear signal: it may lack the size of its adversary, but it more than makes up for it in ingenuity and resolve.
The debut of the latest Sea Baby drones is more than just a technological milestone—it’s a symbol of Ukraine’s refusal to yield, and a reminder that in modern warfare, brains often matter as much as brawn.