Ukraine's Defence Intelligence tells number of naval drones Russia will receive in 2026
Russia's navy is expected to receive more than 150 uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in 2026, while the government's procurement order could increase to as many as 230 units.
Source: data provided by Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) to Ukrainska Pravda
Details: DIU identified several priorities for Russia's naval drone programme:
- developing versatile USVs using Russian-made components;
- integrating secure communications and artificial intelligence technologies into USVs;
- increasing the boats' operational range.
"Overall, USV production in Russia is complicated by a shortage of electronic components caused by sanctions. Moscow is finding it increasingly difficult to import and develop communications systems that are resistant to electronic warfare," DIU said.
According to DIU, restrictions on Starlink may also have contributed to the development of Russian naval drones. Russian forces had actively used Starlink terminals to control unmanned vessels.
Background: Earlier, DIU Deputy Chief Major General Vadym Skibitskyi said that Russia was deploying its Rassvet satellite system – effectively a Russian analogue of Starlink – significantly faster than originally planned.
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