Russian Navy forms drone units to counter Ukrainian strikes — ISW
Russian Navy forms drone units to counter Ukrainian strikes (Photo: Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool via REUTERS)
The Russian Navy is establishing unmanned systems regiments partly to protect its vessels from intensified Ukrainian strikes across Black Sea and Azov naval theaters, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote on July 27.
Analysts highlighted a recent statement by Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, who announced that the navy formed its first unmanned systems regiment within the Northern Fleet and plans to create additional regiments, including a similar structure within the Pacific Fleet by 2027.
"Russian armed forces have implemented a series of measures to defend against Ukraine's intensified strike campaign… by relocating and dispersing ships, installing anti-drone netting, and deploying mobile task groups and air patrols, but have largely failed to protect themselves from or adapt to Ukrainian strikes," the report wrote.
ISW analysts also emphasized that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin used Russia's Navy Day to project strength while reiterating expansionist territorial claims extending beyond Ukraine.
Defense Forces of Ukraine earlier reported striking 180+ Russian vessels in the Black and Azov seas throughout July 2026. According to the Unmanned Systems Forces, these ships belonged to Russia's "shadow fleet" used to transport cargo in violation of international sanctions.
On July 19, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported a strike on the Russian shadow fleet tanker Avero in the Black Sea near Novorossiysk.
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