Ukraine Naval Drones Launch 6-8 FPVs and Thermobaric Rockets Near Kinburn

3 articles · Updated · Forbes · May 26

Kinburn-area Ukrainian drone boats are now being used as floating strike platforms, reportedly releasing six to eight FPV drones and firing Shmel thermobaric rockets at Russian coastal positions.
The setup extends Ukraine’s push to turn unmanned surface vessels from kamikaze craft into multi-role weapons carriers that can deliver FPVs closer to shore, hit light vehicles and structures, and potentially support commando landings.
Analysts say the same mix also improves self-defense: FPVs and short-range rockets could threaten Russian helicopters, aircraft or enemy boats, building on earlier Ukrainian claims that missile-armed USVs downed air targets over the Black Sea.
For Russia, the shift widens the threat from sea toward Crimea and exposed shoreline defenses, where the main challenge is detecting the drones early enough to cue aircraft, ships or shore-based responses.

With sea drones now launching rockets, how can Russia's Black Sea Fleet survive?

As sea drones become motherships, is the era of the traditional warship over?