Ukrainian Naval Drones Target Russian Radar Systems in Strategic Strike

In a recent report by TWZ, Ukraine has made meaningful strides in drone warfare by successfully deploying a bomber drone from a drone boat to target and destroy a crucial Russian radar system located in Crimea.

The Ukrainian ministry of Defense announced that this operation occurred during the night of July 1-2,2025. They revealed that an unmanned surface vessel (USV), commonly referred to as a drone boat, approached Crimea’s coastline while carrying a heavy-duty bomber drone on it’s deck. Once it reached an optimal launch point, the bomber was deployed.

Equipped with satellite communication technology, the sea drone maintained constant contact with the bomber throughout its mission. The aircraft flew along the coast until it identified and targeted the Russian Nebo-M radar system. It successfully released munitions that obliterated three critical components: an RLM-M VHF radar unit, an RLM-D AESA L-band radar unit, and a command post vehicle.

The Nebo-M is renowned for its advanced capabilities in detecting stealth aircraft and hypersonic missiles; it typically consists of one to three large truck-mounted radars and integrates seamlessly with S-300 and S-400 missile systems for tracking purposes. Given these sophisticated features, such radars are high-priority targets for Ukraine.

This innovative approach brings several benefits to Ukraine’s military strategy. Unlike traditional FPV (first-person view) drones used previously—which frequently enough require crashing into their targets—bomber drones can carry heavier payloads and strike multiple targets during one flight without needing to sacrifice themselves in the process.

Moreover, Ukraine has been enhancing its arsenal by developing guided munitions for these bombers, increasing their effectiveness substantially.Back in March 2025, Ukrainian forces had already utilized FPV drones launched from similar boats against Russian radars and surface-to-air missile installations.The introduction of bomber drones marks an escalation in both range and impact of these aerial assaults.

Acknowledging this development was Two Majors—a popular Russian Telegram channel—who noted how effectively the drone boat approached undetected before launching multiple strikes using bombers equipped with drop systems capable of executing several attacks each time they were deployed.

Interestingly enough, one such bomber was reportedly recovered by Russian troops after being downed; however, claims surfaced about another sea drone being destroyed later on by Russian air forces without any substantiating evidence provided.

Ukraine’s strategic use of these unmanned vessels has notably shifted dynamics at sea during this conflict. With backing from U.S. technology—including satellite communications—Ukraine has rolled out advanced unmanned boats like the Magura V5 series which have played pivotal roles alongside anti-ship missiles to push back against Russia’s naval presence in western Black sea waters. Reports indicate that approximately one-third of Russia’s Black Sea fleet has suffered damage or destruction due to coordinated strikes involving swarms of these innovative sea drones.

Among them is the Magura V5—the most sophisticated model yet developed by Ukraine—which made headlines when it shot down a Russian helicopter back in December 2024; marking history as the first instance where an unmanned vessel took down an aircraft successfully.

Fast forward to May 2025: another Magura achieved what many thought impossible—it brought down a Su-30 fighter jet—the first recorded instance where fast-moving jets were taken out by maritime-based drones!

this evolution not only showcases technological advancements but also highlights how modern warfare continues adapting through innovation across various fronts.