The Ukrainian 40th Coast Guard Division released a video on October 20, 2025, demonstrating a new tactical solution: launching kamikaze drones from Barracuda unmanned watercraft against Russian ships. The footage shows several drones taking off from the vehicle's deck and heading straight for a Russian transport ship.

The division said the operation was successful, with enemy personnel and ammunition destroyed. The exact location was not disclosed, but the brigade is operating in the Dnieper estuary and coastal waterways.

Why is it effective?

Military analysts say the Barracuda acts as a forward launch pad: it brings the drones as close to the target as possible, significantly shortening the flight time. This reduces the chance of detection, makes it difficult for Russian early warning systems, and the drones appear within effective firing range - unexpectedly.

In recent weeks, the division has carried out several successful attacks on Russian river vessels, indicating continued disruption of enemy supply routes.

The video below shows the deployment of the Barracuda watercraft:

What is a Barracuda?

The Barracuda is a Ukrainian-made, remotely operated watercraft developed by a special unit of the division. The vehicle is modular, equipped with reconnaissance equipment and artificial intelligence-based systems, allowing it to navigate autonomously in narrow channels and reed beds.

The modular design allows for rapid re-equipment for various tasks: from fire support to supply transport to casualty rescue and mine laying, it is suitable for a wide range of roles. It can also be equipped with grenade launchers and mine laying devices.

Adapting under pressure

Military experts say the Barracuda is a good example of how Ukraine is adapting to a larger adversary. Since Moscow's attack, Kiev has transformed naval robotics into an asymmetric advantage, and now solutions are emerging that combine water and air assets.

The water drone is not just another weapon, but also demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to develop solutions tailored to its own needs with limited resources. It is a valuable asset in river and coastal theaters of war, and attacks on Russian supply lines show that Ukraine is focused not only on destroying enemy forces, but also on disrupting supply routes.