Romania Destroys Suspected Ukrainian U.S.-Origin Naval Drone with Russian Warhead

Romanian forces have destroyed an unmanned surface vessel (USV) of U.S. origin carrying a Russian warhead, believed to be Ukrainian.

The USV was discovered floating upside down in Romanian waters on April 3. It was based on an AM-800 aluminum-hull rigid inflatable boat (RIB) originally manufactured by Silver Ships in Alabama, United States. The vessel, designed for fire rescue operations, retained its distinctive red finish on the lower hull and inflatable collar.

Measuring approximately 9.5 meters (31 feet) in length, the USV was larger than other similar USVs used by Ukraine. It was equipped with a large warhead identified as originating from a P-20 Styx anti-ship missile. This warhead, known for its potent explosive capability, was mounted on a crude wooden frame on the boat's forward deck.

The P-20 Styx missile warhead contained approximately 500kg (1,100lb) of TGAG-5 explosives, comprising 60% TNT, 20% RDX, 15% aluminum powder, and 5% phlegmatizing wax. This payload is significantly larger than the warhead of the Harpoon anti-ship missile.

While the nationality of the vessel was not officially disclosed, local media speculated that it may have been Ukrainian, given the American origin of the boat and previous reports of Silver Ships supplying craft to Ukraine as part of U.S. aid efforts.

Romanian forces destroyed the USV in a controlled explosion on April 5 to mitigate potential risks posed by the drone.