Ukrainian Security Service, SBU, showed the new configurations of its actively used Sea Baby USV to the press. A photograph shows one fitted with ten tubes for 122 mm Grad artillery rockets and another fitted with a 12.7 mm RCWS.
On the usage of new configurations, the Grad-armed Sea Baby configuration is likely to be a refinement on the early Grad-fitted USVs, which have made rare appearances on social media. Compared to the previous examples, an elevatable launcher with more capacity at ten rockets is attention-worthy.
On the other hand, the RCWS-armed Sea Baby could be a response to Russian patrol boats assigned to intercept USVs as a protective measure rather than an offensive one, considering the fact that a heavy machine gun is below ideal for engaging warships. An early approach to self-defence against patrol boats was the integration of small rocket launchers, with questionable hit chances. However, a 12.7 mm RCWS with proper fire control would be another story, both accuracy and lethality-wise, against poorly armoured small boats.
While Ukraine’s use of USVs against Russian Forces has mostly been known for kamikaze USV attacks, which have inflicted severe casualties on the Russian Navy, 2025 has seen a shift in the use of alternative weaponry as well.
Notable examples include USVs armed with R-73/AIM-9 missiles shooting down Russian aircraft and FPV-carrying USVs conducting surgical attacks on air defence systems from the shore.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
