ALERT: Russia Expands Use of Naval Drones and Kamikaze Boats Learned From Ukrainian Conflict.

Russia concluded its largest naval exercise of the year, codenamed “July Storm,” which took place from July 23 to 27, 2025, across the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic, and Caspian Sea regions. The drills involved over 150 warships, 120 aircraft, 10 coastal missile systems, and 15 000 personnel. A major highlight of the exercise was the deployment and live testing of explosive-laden unmanned surface vessels tasked with striking and destroying mock enemy ships. Footage released by the Russian Ministry of Defense captured these naval drones in action, hitting target vessels with precision and producing large-scale explosions, a clear signal that uncrewed systems are now becoming integral to Russia’s naval doctrine.
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The Russian Navy demonstrates the use of kamikaze naval drones targeting mock enemy warships during the July Storm 2025 exercise, highlighting the integration of autonomous explosive surface vessels into large-scale maritime strike operations. (Picture source: Russian MoD video footage)

This naval demonstration reflects a growing transformation within the Russian Navy, directly shaped by lessons learned from the Ukrainian theater. Ukraine’s use of explosive USVs like the MAGURA V5 and Sea Baby has forced a rethinking of naval strategy, with Kyiv’s low-cost, high-impact drones successfully targeting Russian vessels in the Black Sea. In response, Moscow is now expanding its own unmanned maritime programs, not just replicating Ukrainian tactics but scaling them up within a networked combat framework.

Among the unmanned platforms being tested or fielded by Russia, several stand out. The Vizir is a prototype unmanned surface vehicle designed for surveillance and potential combat roles. The Orkan USV is undergoing testing as a high-speed kamikaze-style drone equipped with explosive payloads for direct strikes against ships. The Ghrachonok-based unmanned variant, derived from the counter-saboteur patrol boat series, is being evaluated for autonomous patrolling and mine-clearing roles. In the underwater domain, Russia is developing the Klavesin-2R-PM, a deep-sea autonomous underwater vehicle capable of operating at significant depths for reconnaissance and mine-laying missions. The Vityaz-D, a fully autonomous deep-diving AUV, has already completed successful test missions in the Mariana Trench and is being considered for expanded naval applications including strategic undersea reconnaissance.

The July Storm exercise also included demonstrations of unmanned underwater drones operating near harbor infrastructure, a likely signal of Russia’s growing interest in port sabotage and underwater ISR. These drones, which may include derivatives of the Harpsichord (Klavesin) series, are designed to carry sensors, mines, or warheads for direct strikes. While not all details are confirmed, state media reports and visual footage indicate an effort to fuse undersea robotics with surface drone operations and aerial FPV strikes.

Kamikaze naval drones used in the drills mirrored Ukraine’s Sea Baby in both appearance and function. Russian variants appeared to operate in small swarms, conducting saturation attacks against mock ships. Their low profile, high speed, and presumed GPS or vision-based guidance systems suggest a growing capability to challenge shipboard defense systems, particularly in littoral zones where radar detection is more complex. These systems are likely part of a new generation of Russian USVs designed to operate autonomously or under remote control with minimal electronic signature.

Globally, the evolution of naval drone warfare is accelerating. The United States is deploying large autonomous vessels under the Ghost Fleet Overlord program, including Sea Hunter and Ranger. Israel has fielded the BlueWhale underwater drone for ISR missions, and Rafael’s Blue Spear loitering naval munition is advancing in trials. Turkey’s ULAQ armed USVs and China’s JARI-USV with stealth profiles are further evidence that naval autonomy is becoming a core capability across major powers.

Russia’s shift is not just technological but doctrinal. The July Storm drills combined explosive drones, attack helicopters, electronic warfare systems, and manned ships in synchronized assaults, simulating engagements with well-defended naval groups. This multi-domain approach, blending manned and unmanned assets, reflects a broader push toward integrated swarm warfare. It forces Western navies to reconsider traditional concepts of sea control and fleet defense, particularly under conditions where saturation attacks by cheap, disposable drones could overwhelm billion-dollar platforms.

With platforms like Vizir, Orkan, Klavesin-2R-PM, and Vityaz-D entering trials or early service, Russia is building a new layer of naval capability focused on autonomous, expendable, and precision-guided maritime assets. These systems reduce operational risk to personnel, increase tactical flexibility, and expand options for both open-water confrontation and clandestine coastal missions. The July Storm exercise marks a definitive move by the Russian Navy to embrace the future of naval warfare, where manned warships will increasingly operate as command hubs within networks of uncrewed strike and surveillance systems.