Russia adapts to sea drone threat with versatile Raptor boats
Ukrainian sea drones present a significant challenge for the Russians, who have only recently begun to learn how to counter such threats. One relatively effective and safe method involves the use of 03160 project patrol boats, known as Raptor. This article examines what these boats are.
Ukrainian sea drones have effectively hampered the Russian Black Sea fleet, but they have been unable to successfully attack any naval targets for several months. It seems that the Russians, after months of difficulties, have learned how to protect their ships while in port.
Russian methods of protection against sea drones
The Russians had little motivation to develop defences against small "kamikaze" units in comparison to the American navy, which was shocked by a motorboat laden with explosives attacking the moored USS Cole destroyer in Aden port. This event prompted a process of developing procedures and systems to prevent such incidents, a practice that eventually spread to other NATO countries.
Meanwhile, the Russians had to adapt with existing resources following a series of setbacks quickly. Initially, helicopters were used for defence against sea drones, but after losing several units, the strategy shifted to multirole aircraft. However, these also incurred losses due to anti-aircraft drones, prompting the use of guidance from helicopters or aircraft flying at high altitudes (out of range of short-range missiles) to direct armed motorboats in patrols.
In the video below, the Russian Raptor boat crew attempts to destroy a Ukrainian sea drone. Initially, they fire at it with a large-calibre machine gun, which seems ineffective, and subsequently resort to a one-time anti-tank grenade launcher.
It is noteworthy that, despite the poor video quality, the Ukrainian drone appears to be an anti-aircraft variant, as suggested by the long white object on its side, resembling a Vympel R-73 missile. Therefore, it is not a "kamikaze" model with a warhead weighing several hundred kilograms.
Russian Raptor motorboats
The Raptor boats, as reported by Wirtualna Polska journalist Łukasz Michalik, were designed by Open JSC Pella shipyard and entered service with the Russian navy in 2014. These fast boats can transport 20 soldiers, not including the two-person crew, and are heavily armed.
They come equipped with a remotely controlled turret housing a heavy machine gun of 14.5x114 mm calibre in the front, with the option to install a manned turret at the back, as shown in the footage. Additionally, there are two mounts at the stern for PKP Pecheneg machine guns of 7.62x54R mm calibre.
Situational awareness on these vessels is provided by an observation module featuring night vision and thermal imaging, which can detect targets at distances of up to 3 kilometres. Protection is offered by class 5 and 5A armour plates, and the bulletproof glass is approximately 4 centimetres thick. This level of protection is effective against most small arms but insufficient against anti-tank missiles.
The boat's mobility is facilitated by an engine producing around 2,000 horsepower, allowing speeds of up to 93 km/h. The fuel reserve enables operations within a range of approximately 185 kilometres from the operational base.
