Ukraine Unveils AI-Enhanced 'Sea Baby' Naval Drones Extending Combat Reach

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has unveiled an advanced version of its "Sea Baby" naval drone, transforming it into a versatile weapons platform with significantly extended range and payload capacity. The upgraded drone now boasts a range of approximately 930-1,500 miles and can carry up to 4,400 pounds, equipped with AI-assisted targeting, friend-or-foe identification, and the capability to launch small aerial attack drones. Variants include versions armed with gyro-stabilized machine guns featuring automatic tracking and multiple launch rocket systems, enhancing Ukraine's naval strike capabilities in the Black Sea and contributing to the retreat of the Russian fleet from Crimea. Meanwhile, Russia has developed a high-speed vertical takeoff interceptor drone designed to counter enemy UAVs with onboard AI for target acquisition and automatic detonation, with serial production underway. Additionally, Russia has deployed a new ring-wing drone with improved aerodynamic efficiency and payload capacity, capable of reconnaissance and strike missions, signaling experimentation with alternative drone designs. These developments underscore the escalating use and technological advancement of unmanned systems by both Ukraine and Russia in ongoing conflicts.