Camilla Jessen
These powerful tools could change the dynamics of river warfare.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces have begun testing the Black Widow 2 — a small, agile kamikaze river drone designed for reconnaissance and precision strikes.
The tests were reported by the Braive1 technology cluster, referencing information from Suspilne.
Key features of Black Widow 2:
-
Compact Design: Measuring just 1 meter in length and weighing 8 kg, the Black Widow 2 is highly maneuverable and difficult to detect.
-
Speed and Range: The drone can travel at speeds of up to 40 km/h and has a range of 10 km, making it ideal for close-range missions.
-
Extended Operation: Its onboard battery allows for several hours of active operation, or standby mode for days while awaiting a target.
-
Advanced Camera System: Equipped with a rotating camera capable of horizontal and vertical movement, the drone is effective for day and night missions.
-
Payload Capacity: With a 3-kg payload, the drone is capable of destroying small boats and speedboats.
The Black Widow 2 was developed in response to the Ukrainian military’s need for tools to counter Russian troop movements on the Dnieper River’s islands. The drone is designed for flexibility, performing both surveillance and kamikaze strikes.
“Operating an electric boat that’s just a meter long may seem simple, but its potential for espionage and destruction makes it a formidable weapon,” the developers said.
The development cost for the drone is less than 100,000 hryvnias ($2,700), making it a cost-effective solution for river warfare. The company behind Black Widow 2 claims it can produce up to 100 units per month.
Future Versions and Versatility
The developers are also working on two additional versions of the drone:
-
Mine-Clearing Variant: Designed to neutralize anchor mines, enhancing river safety.
-
Larger Version: A bigger, more powerful model for expanded operational capabilities.
The Black Widow 2’s prototype debuted at the Defense Tech Valley investment summit in October 2024, showcasing its potential to disrupt enemy operations in riverine environments.
