Ukraine’s new drone boat "Katran" takes on Russian fleet Nikola Tesla’s prophecy may be realized

As Nikola Tesla predicted over a century ago, small nations may soon hold the key to disrupting larger military powers. Ukraine’s new torpedo-armed drone boat, Katran, could be the breakthrough that makes battleships obsolete. As Forbes reports, this innovative technology marks a dramatic shift in naval warfare, turning the tide in Ukraine’s ongoing battle against Russia’s fleet in the Black Sea.

Ukraine has already been successful in employing Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) in its battle against Russia in the Black Sea. These drone boats, often packed with explosives, have targeted Russian warships, hindering Russia’s naval operations and safeguarding Ukraine’s crucial grain exports. As the use of USVs continues to evolve, Ukraine has introduced more advanced versions, including boats armed with rockets, surface-to-air missiles, and even small FPV drones, which have successfully struck coastal targets.

The Katran, revealed by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, marks a new milestone. Capable of long-range missions exceeding 600 miles, the Katran is designed for both attack and reconnaissance. It can travel at speeds of up to 80 mph and is equipped with an electronic warfare system, decoy flares, and smoke launchers to evade enemy detection. Notably, the Katran is armed with torpedoes, potentially guided torpedoes like Sweden’s Torped 47, designed for both submarine and surface ship targets.

The existence of the Katran introduces a game-changing factor for Russia’s naval defense. With multiple types of drone boats now in Ukraine's arsenal, including explosive-laden boats, missile-armed variants, and torpedo-equipped USVs, defending against them becomes far more complex. Helicopter-based counterattacks, previously used to neutralize these threats, now face the risk of engaging surface-to-air missiles. Allowing drone boats to get close enough could result in surprise torpedo attacks, making traditional warships vulnerable.

Ukraine’s drone fleet is rapidly growing in both size and sophistication, outpacing defensive countermeasures. Tesla’s vision of a world where large military powers are challenged by nimble, tech-driven defenses is becoming a reality. While a complete end to war remains elusive, Ukraine’s drone boats could significantly alter the balance of power on the seas. The Katran and similar innovations may spark a debate on the future relevance of crewed warships.

By Vugar Khalilov