Ukrainian Bayraktar TB2 destroys Russian KS-701 patrol boat.

According to a tweet published by Ukraine Weapons Tracker on September 4, 2023, a Ukrainian-operated Bayraktar TB2 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) successfully targeted and destroyed a Russian KS-701 patrol boat in the North-Western part of the Black Sea.
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Ukrainian Bayraktar TB2 UCAV destroying Russian KS-701 patrol boat. (Picture source: Ukraine Weapons Tracker)

Designed and produced at the Kostromskoy SMZ facility in Kostroma, Russia, the KS-701 is an aluminum-bodied, diesel-powered patrol vessel with a commendable 140 kW power output.

With dimensions spanning 8.8 meters in length and 2.5 meters across, this patrol boat serves dual purposes - conducting patrol missions and facilitating water-based leisure activities. The destruction of such a craft, particularly while it's engaged in a logistical operation, represents a considerable tactical setback.

The Bayraktar TB2's decisive action on the maritime front is emblematic of the drone's growing reputation in combat scenarios across various global conflict zones.

Originating from Turkey's Baykar Defense, the TB2 is outfitted with state-of-the-art optics and can be equipped with an array of smart munitions, rendering it an invaluable asset, especially for armed forces with limited aerial capabilities.

This recent incident draws attention to the revolutionary role drone warfare is playing in the current military paradigm. Previously, naval assets, shielded by vast expanses of water, were deemed relatively safe from all but the most elite threats.

Today, the maritime domain faces an unprecedented challenge from drone technology, which is not only sophisticated but also considerably more affordable and accessible than traditional military assets.