'Drone boats made in Britain' used to strike Russian port

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 16, 2026

Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made K3 Scout drone boats to attack the Russian supply ship Nefrit at the port of Sochi, advancing their Black Sea blockade efforts. This operation highlights a shift toward unmanned naval warfare and marks a significant step in integrating autonomous maritime technology supported by international allies.

British-made drone boats have reportedly been used by Ukrainian forces in an attack on the Russian port of Sochi, marking a strategic development in Kyiv’s efforts to enforce a blockade of the Black Sea. The vessels in question are K3 Scout speedboats, produced by Kraken Technology, a company based in Hampshire, England.

The operation, believed to have taken place last month, involved these autonomous boats traveling several hundred miles to reach the target area. Video footage circulating on social media shows one of the unmanned vessels exploding before reaching its intended objective. An industry insider indicated that this was “one of many” such boats involved in the assault, which successfully struck the Russian supply ship Nefrit. The vessel was docked at a pier in the Sochi port at the time.

The Ukrainian navy classified the Nefrit as a multi-role ship connected to Russia’s maritime and energy operations. According to Kyiv, the ship played a key role in supporting oil and gas activities, servicing offshore installations, transporting personnel and cargo, and conducting subsea engineering tasks.

Representatives familiar with the matter emphasized the significance of using drone boats in targeting critical maritime assets, suggesting it reflects a transformation in the nature of naval warfare. They noted Britain’s role in providing such technology as part of the wider international effort to counter Russian military actions.

Kraken Technology’s K3 Scout boats are designed for versatility and range. They can be deployed from helicopters and serve as platforms to launch armed drones, including suicide drones or small air defense systems. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 55 knots, they have an operational range of 650 nautical miles and can remain at sea for up to 30 days depending on mission requirements. The boats have a payload capacity of approximately 600 kilograms and come at a relatively low cost of £250,000 each. The UK Ministry of Defence previously procured 20 units through a £12.3 million program intended to enhance drone integration alongside traditional naval vessels.

These boats are used by specialized units, including the Coastal Forces Squadron and the 47 Commando Royal Marines, and have been prepared for deployment in strategic locations such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Mal Crease, the chief executive of Kraken Technology Group, has emphasized the advantage of such remotely piloted platforms, highlighting that they reduce risks to human life during operations. Kraken declined to comment on their involvement in the Sochi strike.

The reported use of British-made drone boats in the Black Sea conflict underscores the evolving landscape of maritime warfare and the increasing role of unmanned systems in frontline combat operations.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.