Russia's Katran sea drone raises concerns over Black Sea tensions
The Russians are working on the Katran sea drone, which could pose a threat to Ukrainian units in the Black Sea. However, it turns out that not only the name but also the concept of the weapon is a copy of the equipment already available to the Ukrainian side. The equipment is mostly strikingly similar.
The sea drone Katran, developed by the Centre for Systems and Unmanned Technologies in Russia, may raise concerns as a potential threat to Ukrainian units in the Black Sea, according to experts from the Ukrainian service Defense Express. The machine designed to carry FPV Skvorets-VMF drones, can effectively counteract Ukrainian unmanned boats. At the same time, analysts from DE claim that Russians stole not only the concept but also the name of the Ukrainian drone.
Are Russians "copying" Ukrainian solutions?
The Katran project, previously little known, gained significance as a response to Ukrainian systems Katran VENOM. The Russian drone is intended to serve as a carrier for drones that can attack Ukrainian shores. Skvorets-VMF have a range of 5-10 kilometres, reach speeds up to 150 kilometres per hour, and carry an explosive payload of 1.4 kilograms.
Katran is equipped with prototypes carrying Skvorets-VMF drones or a remotely controlled turret with a Kord machine gun. Some versions have additional floats, which increase the unit's stability. However, a significant difference compared to the "Ukrainian original" is the lack of satellite communication, which greatly limits its operational range.
Possible threats
The Russian Katran relies on radio communication, making it vulnerable to electronic warfare systems. The control range is 100-200 kilometres, but it can be increased by a network of relays, according to Defense Express. This is incomparably worse than the satellite communication used in the Ukrainian version of Katran, even when based on the Starlink system.
Nevertheless, the weapon could pose a threat to places like Odessa, if the Russians decide to use Katrans for covert attacks on ground targets. However, its effectiveness will be limited if Ukraine employs electronic warfare systems along the coast.
