Ukraine has revealed a bold new method of sea-based drone warfare. For the first time, the country shared footage of first-person-view (FPV) drones being launched directly from boats on the open sea—targeting enemy positions near Crimea.
The video was posted by the Main Intelligence Directorate, showing what it says was a special raid on the Petro Godovanets gas production platform in the Black Sea. This attack reportedly took place on September 11, 2024. According to the intelligence team, the new approach helped suppress enemy fire coming from the platform.
In the clips, at least three drones are seen lifting off from a small boat under the cover of darkness. Seconds later, they crash into the offshore platform, causing bright flashes and multiple explosions. Surveillance footage captured the moment, but the full level of damage was not immediately clear.
A First in Drone Warfare at Sea
This event marks a major shift in how FPV drones are used. Traditionally, drone attacks at sea involve uncrewed surface vessels—basically, boat-shaped drones packed with explosives. These are designed to crash into targets like warships or ports. Other attacks in past conflicts have used loitering munitions launched from land.
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But in this case, Ukraine used quadcopters—small drones that are remote-controlled in real time. FPV drones provide a live video feed to their operators, allowing them to steer the drone from a first-person view. Usually used in ground combat, these drones are now being launched from boats for the first time in Ukraine’s war effort.
The team behind the mission traveled across the Black Sea in lightweight combat craft. These appeared to be inflatable boats built for speed and stealth. Once in range, operators used special gear like headsets, tablets, and GPS tools to guide the drones through the night.
Special Units and Tactical Launches
The operation was carried out by a group within Ukraine’s special forces, operating near the Crimean coast. The intelligence service posted clips of its members riding through open water before launching the drones.
Unlike sea drones designed to ram into targets, FPV drones offer more precision. They are controlled directly and are more agile, making them ideal for hitting complex targets such as offshore platforms. However, they rely on a strong signal between the drone and the pilot, which is why launching them from nearby boats was a smart tactical choice.
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The Petro Godovanets platform, the main target in the footage, has seen conflict before. It is a valuable gas facility located in contested waters of the Black Sea. Ukrainian officials say the raid resulted in damage to enemy equipment and casualties, though the videos alone do not confirm the full impact.
Shifting the Battlefield With Creativity
The use of FPV drones from small boats is a new chapter in sea combat. Unlike larger weapon systems launched from land or sea bases, this strategy relies on lightweight gear and fast boats. It also allows drone pilots to get closer to their targets without exposing large vessels or infrastructure.
By blending mobility, surprise, and drone technology, Ukraine has added a new layer to its defense efforts at sea. This method stands apart from previous drone attacks and shows how even small teams on small boats can carry out targeted strikes using off-the-shelf drone tech.
The shared footage highlights how warfare is changing—fast, flexible, and increasingly unmanned. While the full results of this mission remain uncertain, one thing is clear: the way drones are used at sea may never be the same again.