Ukrainian FPV & Rocket Armed Surface Drone (USV)
A new type of Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel (USV) has been employed to strike Russian positions on the Kinburn Peninsula, north of Crimea. The USV is armed with 6 rockets, reportedly RPO-A Shmel thermobaric type (but possibly the Ukrainian RPV-16) and 6-8 FPV (first person view) drones.
The manufacturer of the vessel is unclear, but the hull is generally similar to the small hunting boats used in the area. It has an angular hull with a small outboard motor. The hull contains the hangars for the FPV drones. A simple A-frame mast at the stern has the rockets bolted attached to it.
Update 30th May 2026
Footage and information refers to this USV as as the Barracuda, although that name has been used by other similar riverine drones so may be generic like “Sea Baby”. The USV can carry a telescopic mast for ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) missions. The mast may also improve communications with FPV drones and base units.
Raising the mast and launching an FPV drone
Lilia General Purpose USV
The new USV is similar in size, but not hull form, to the Lilia riverine USV developed by Crocus. Lilia is intended to support operations in riverine and coastal waters, performing ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), resupply and transport missions.
Related articles (Full index of popular Covert Shores articles)
Guide to Ukraine’s naval drones (USVs)
Guide to Russia’s naval drones (USVs)
