US sending drone boats for Ukraine port and coast defense

Much attention has been justifiably directed at the remarkable performance of both military and consumer UAVs in assisting Ukraine’s efforts to rebuff invading Russian forces. But soon, news may also be generated by drone boats similarly turning the tides for Ukraine defenses in coastal waters of the Black Sea.

As part of its additional $800 million military aid package the US announced last week, the Department of Defense said it will be providing Ukraine with drone boats – better known as uncrewed surface vessels (USV) – for use against attacking Russian Navy craft in the Black Sea. The US Navy has tended to discuss its USVs as primarily defensive assets designed to intercept, dissuade, and rebuff intruders. But they are also capable of being equipped and deployed for the kind of offensive missions Ukraine may need to stop Russia from continuing brutal offshore rocket attacks on inland cities, or landing ground reinforcements and supplies. 

Delivery of…