Ukraine has officially presented a new generation of naval drones and a homegrown laser weapon called “Trident”, both developed to defend against Russian aggression with precision and modern efficiency. These innovations were introduced by the Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, in an exclusive interview, marking a significant step in Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
The laser system “Trident”, developed by Ukrainian engineers in a matter of months, is now undergoing active testing. Early trials demonstrate its ability to burn through metal and neutralise aerial targets such as Iranian-designed Shahed drones at altitudes of over 2,000 metres. It is designed to defend key infrastructure and settlements from constant Russian drone attacks. The “Trident” system already shows performance characteristics comparable to top tier systems like the American AN SEQ 3 LaWS and the British DragonFire, with an effective range of 2 kilometres.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s navy has introduced a fleet of new unmanned maritime strike systems. The standout innovation is the “Alligator 9” drone, an advanced unmanned platform built for high speed raids and covert attacks against enemy ships and port infrastructure. With satellite guidance and autonomous capabilities, it represents a new threat to Russian naval dominance in the Black Sea.
Features of the “Alligator 9” Naval Drone
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hull Length | 6 metres |
| Maximum Speed | 90 km per hour |
| Operational Range | 800 km |
| Warhead | 300 kg explosive payload |
| Control System | Satellite controlled with autonomous navigation |
| Design | Stealth profile, modular build, swarm coordination |
This maritime platform is designed to deliver serious damage to enemy targets including frigates, amphibious landing ships and naval installations. Its long range enables strikes deep into occupied territory or naval facilities. By integrating satellite and autonomous systems, Ukraine reduces its risk of drone loss during high value missions.
These innovations come as Russia continues its full invasion of Ukraine, now entering its third year. The Kremlin has relied heavily on Iranian made drones and missiles to target civilian infrastructure, prompting Ukraine to scale up domestic weapons development.
With costs of developing such systems being significantly lower than comparable Western systems, Ukraine has managed to maintain defence momentum while operating under a tighter budget. For example, while the UK’s DragonFire reportedly cost around GBP 100 million (approx USD 125 million), Ukraine’s laser project was rapidly assembled using a fraction of that amount, thanks to domestic innovation.
