Historic Ukrainian Black Sea Raid: Special Forces Employ USVs, FPV Drones, and Smart Torpedoes

On the night of September 21, 2025, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence carried out one of its most daring and successful maritime operations of the year. The mission was executed by the elite Ferrata special unit, whose task was to neutralize a Russian radar system installed on a drilling platform in the Black Sea. This radar posed a significant threat to Ukrainian drone operations, and its destruction was critical to opening a safe corridor for subsequent strikes deeper into Russian‑controlled territory.

Katran USV. Photo: DIU

Objective of the Ukrainian Operation Against Russian Radar

The primary objective of the mission was clear: eliminate the Russian radar mounted on the offshore platform. This radar installation had been used to detect and intercept Ukrainian drones, effectively limiting Kyiv’s ability to conduct long‑range strikes. By removing this obstacle, Ukrainian forces aimed to pave the way for further drone missions targeting high‑value assets, including the Nebo‑U radar system in Crimea. The operation was not only tactical but strategic, designed to weaken Russia’s surveillance capabilities and expand Ukraine’s freedom of action in contested waters.

Advanced Equipment Deployed by Ukrainian Ferrata Unit

The Ferrata unit relied on a combination of advanced maritime and aerial systems. Two Katran USVs, designated X1 and X3, carried a payload of nine FPV drones and four fixed‑wing loitering munitions. These assets provided flexibility for both precision strikes and sustained attacks. In addition, one of the Katran USVs carried a long‑range smart torpedo, essentially an underwater loitering munition equipped with an 80‑kilogram warhead. This weapon was designed to strike structural components of the platform. To ensure uninterrupted communication with the torpedo, relay drones were deployed, maintaining control and guidance even at extended distances. The integration of surface, aerial, and underwater systems demonstrated Ukraine’s growing sophistication in multi‑domain warfare.

Step‑by‑Step Execution of the Black Sea Strike

The attack unfolded in carefully planned stages. First, the smart torpedo was launched from a distance of 50 kilometers. It advanced toward the target until it reached a holding position 15 kilometers away, where it entered standby mode. At this point, the Katran USVs withdrew to a safer distance and activated the relay drone network to maintain control of the underwater munition. Once the signal was secured, the torpedo was directed toward the platform’s support structure, striking one of its main pillars with devastating effect. As Russian marines rushed onto the deck in response, Ukrainian operators unleashed FPV drones, targeting personnel and disrupting defensive measures. Finally, fixed‑wing loitering munitions were deployed against the radar tower itself. The strikes were precise and relentless, ultimately destroying the radar installation beyond repair.

Results of the Ukrainian Black Sea Operation

The outcome was decisive. The Russian radar on the drilling platform was completely destroyed, eliminating a major surveillance threat in the region. With the radar neutralized, Ukrainian drones gained a clear corridor to advance toward Crimea. This allowed follow‑up missions to target the Nebo‑U radar system, further degrading Russia’s ability to monitor Ukrainian aerial activity. The operation also showcased Ukraine’s ability to coordinate complex strikes across multiple domains—surface, air, and underwater—while maintaining operational secrecy and precision.

Continuation of Strikes: Magura Drones Hit Novorossiysk

Following the successful destruction of the radar, Ukrainian forces escalated their campaign. The Magura strike USVs were dispatched to Novorossiysk, a key Russian port city on the Black Sea. These drones targeted a local oil depot, causing significant damage and disrupting fuel supplies. The attack highlighted Ukraine’s capacity to extend its reach far beyond immediate battle zones, striking at Russia’s logistical and economic infrastructure. By combining tactical operations with strategic strikes, Ukraine demonstrated its intent to weaken Russia’s war effort on multiple fronts.

Military Significance of the September 21 Operation

The September 21 operation carried immense military significance. It underscored Ukraine’s ability to innovate under pressure, employing unconventional tactics and advanced technology to overcome Russian defenses. The destruction of the radar not only removed a direct threat but also symbolized Ukraine’s growing dominance in drone warfare. By integrating FPV drones, loitering munitions, and underwater strike systems, Ukrainian forces showcased a new model of asymmetric warfare—one that relies on precision, adaptability, and technological ingenuity rather than sheer numbers. For Russia, the loss of the radar and subsequent strikes on Novorossiysk represented a serious setback, exposing vulnerabilities in its coastal defense network.

Ukraine Expands Drone Warfare Capabilities

The successful operation on September 21, 2025, will likely be remembered as a turning point in Ukraine’s maritime campaign. By neutralizing the Russian radar system and opening a safe corridor for further drone strikes, Ukrainian forces achieved both tactical and strategic objectives. The follow‑up attacks on Novorossiysk further demonstrated Kyiv’s ability to project power across the Black Sea. As the war continues, Ukraine’s reliance on advanced drone technology and multi‑domain operations is expected to grow, reshaping the battlefield and challenging Russia’s traditional military dominance.