Ukraine intelligence suspects Russia used experimental Murena-300 unmanned boat during attack in Odesa Oblast

Russia has likely completed the development of unmanned attack boats, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported in response to a public inquiry submitted on July 2.

Ukrainian intelligence warns that such equipment could pose a serious threat to civilians in coastal areas.

According to HUR, one of the models, the Murena-300, has the following tactical and technical specifications:

• Length/width: 5.5 meters / 1.4 meters

• Displacement: Up to 1,000 tons

• Hull material: Composite

• Cruising speed: 45 kilometers per hour

• Maximum range: 500 kilometers

• Communication and navigation: Satellite communications and inertial navigation systems

• Payload weight: Up to 500 kilograms

• Payload equipment: A camera with 40x optical zoom, an infrared camera, and a thermal imager

On July 2, HUR head Kyrylo Budanov said Russia had been attempting to develop its own naval drones.

“The last time they tried, in early June, to use their experimental models. They did not show results. They detonated before even reaching our territorial waters,” Budanov said. “According to our information, they were heading for the city of Pivdenne and were looking for their targets there.”

In December 2023, British intelligence reported that Russia's defense industry was attempting to close the gap with Ukraine in naval drone development.