“Mother ship” Barracuda launched a swarm of UAVs to attack Russian ships on the Dnipro River

On the Dnipro River, the Ukrainian Barracuda unmanned ship launched a swarm of UAVs to attack a Russian transport ship, demonstrating a bold step forward in the conflict.

On October 20, the 40th Brigade of Ukraine released a video recording the Barracuda unmanned ship approaching the Russian-controlled area on the Dnipro River and launching a group of FPV UAVs. Just seconds later, the UAVs crashed into the target, exploded violently, destroying enemy manpower and ammunition. The entire process was controlled remotely, a “no-man, but accurate” strike.

The image shows the “mother ship and UAV swarm” model operating smoothly, significantly expanding the attack range and minimizing risks to soldiers. Barracuda has turned the water surface into a “living launch pad”, opening up a new direction of combat combining naval warfare and UAVs.

Although the location on the Ukrainian side was not disclosed, observers believe the operation took place in the Dnipro Delta, with its intricate network of canals serving as the logistical lifeline for both sides. Previous footage has shown the 40th Brigade frequently launching precision attacks on Russian ships, suggesting that the operation was not a single action but a series of attacks.

The Barracuda is not a factory product, but the creation of a special forces group of the same name. Its modular design allows the vessel to change roles from attack to reconnaissance to transport in a matter of minutes. This “fit to fight” thinking reflects Ukraine’s innovative spirit in high-tech conflict environments.

In addition, the ship is completely remotely controlled with an automatic positioning and sensor system, helping it to navigate narrow, reedy channels without a pilot. In places where radar and GPS signals are difficult to operate, Barracuda still moves precisely like a "ghost" under the water.

According to The Times, the Barracuda reaches a top speed of 95 km/h and is equipped with jamming equipment to cut off the control link of enemy UAVs. In the riverine combat space, where Russian quadcopters often hunt targets, this electronic advantage is Ukraine's "invisible shield".

The integration of electronic warfare demonstrates that Kiev is combining mechanics with artificial intelligence. The Barracuda is not just a weapon, but also a symbol of how Ukraine is turning civilian technology into military power – proving that innovation can replace firepower.

The Barracuda is said to be of British origin, while the design of the airframe has been refined through a series of field trials. The flexible modular design allows the vessel to be customized to its mission load without having to rebuild the entire hull.

In actual combat, the Barracuda acts as a “mother ship”, bringing the UAV swarm into extremely close attack range. This approach shortens flight time, increases accuracy and makes it almost impossible for enemy radar to react. That lightning strike makes the Russian defense line “pierced from the bottom of the river”.

The latest attack reportedly destroyed Russian transport ships and ammunition depots without causing any Ukrainian casualties. In a war of attrition, preserving the lives of soldiers is paramount, and the Barracuda has proven that technology can do just that.

At the operational level, the deployment of surface ships carrying UAVs helps Ukraine expand its “attack radius” along the Dnipro. Each Barracuda becomes a mobile, hard-to-detect launcher, constantly threatening Russian military transport. Kiev does not need to confront Moscow head-on but still strangles Moscow’s logistics step by step.

Analysts say the Barracuda represents a new generation of warfare: distributed, automated, and incorporating civilian technology. A small ship can carry a swarm of UAVs, attack in minutes, and then disappear without a trace. As the battlefield becomes a flexible network, Ukraine is proving that power is no longer about scale, but about creativity.

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