Ukraine’s Naval Drones Shift from Sinking Ships to Arresting Them

Ukraine wants its naval drones to stop sinking ships in the Black Sea and start detaining them instead, a senior Ukrainian military intelligence commander told Business Insider. The drones, known as “Katran,” were originally designed as explosive-packed strike boats that rammed enemy vessels. They have been used primarily against Russian warships and sanctioned oil tankers from Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet. But a commander who goes by the call sign “Ninth” said his unit is developing a new system. “Its purpose is not to destroy oil tankers or grain carriers transporting sanctioned goods,” he explained. “The intent is to detain and tow them into port.” Under the new plan, a naval drone would approach a commercial vessel and order it to a designated port. “If they comply, they will be escorted to a designated port where the vessel and cargo can be seized under international law,” Ninth said. “If they refuse, other measures may follow.” The Katran has already been upgraded with machine guns and surface-to-air missiles, making it more versatile. Now, Ukraine’s GUR intelligence agency wants to use the drones for policing missions rather than destructive attacks. Ninth said the approach is “far more humane than simply sinking ships carrying unknown cargo.” He added that civilian crews could receive prior warning that their movements may be enforced by naval drones. “If you encounter such a system, you are under arrest,” he said. “Proceed calmly to the designated port. Everyone remains safe. The vessel and its cargo will be confiscated in accordance with international law.” The shift comes as Ukraine continues to replace humans with uncrewed systems on the battlefield and at sea. Ninth described the concept as “an entire system,” not just a single drone, capable of securing a ship’s deck, controlling the airspace, and sinking a noncompliant vessel within seconds if needed. “What we are discussing is not a single drone,” he said. “It is an entire system.”