Russia Develops Underwater Strike Drone with 5-kg Payload

Russian defense specialists are currently in the process of designing an underwater strike drone equipped with a 5-kg payload.

"The design is underway of an underwater strike drone with four engines. It will carry a 5-kg payload and have a range of up to one kilometer," a defense industry source was quoted as saying by Russian government-controlled TASS news agency.

The drone is expected to undergo trials in February.

The underwater drone, featuring four engines, is designed not only for offensive capabilities but also for monitoring hydro-technical facilities, the source reported to TASS. The drone's payload capacity is set at 5 kilograms, and it boasts a range of up to one kilometer.

The development is reportedly intended for deployment in Ukraine, specifically in the Dnieper River, where it would be utilized for military purposes. The source emphasized the necessity for military hardware capable of neutralizing hostile targets, identifying the underwater drone as a potential solution.

"The military need hardware to destroy hostile targets. It is an underwater strike drone," the source stated.

In addition to its offensive applications, the underwater drone is slated for use in mine clearance operations. The drone is designed to monitor hydro-technical facilities at a depth of 30 meters, eliminating the need for divers in specific scenarios.

"If there is a report about a mined bridge pylon, you do not have to call divers. The submergible drone will be engaged," the source explained.