Official announcements from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense or verified news reports

Ukrainian Military Tests Black Widow 2 Kamikaze Drones for Naval Surveillance and Offensive Operations

Jan 7, 2025, 12:59 PM

The Ukrainian military is conducting trials of the Black Widow 2, a new river kamikaze drone designed for naval surveillance and offensive operations. The drone, which measures one meter in length and weighs 8 kilograms, can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h and has an operational range of 10 kilometers. It is equipped with a camera for both day and night operations and has a payload capacity of 3 kilograms, capable of destroying small boats and vessels. The development of the Black Widow 2 began in 2023 to counter Russian troop rotations on islands in the Dnipro River. The drone is currently undergoing military trials with two brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and costs approximately $2,700 per unit, with the potential to manufacture up to 100 units per month.