---
title: "Drone Battle in Kherson: How Ukrainian Marines Used Barracuda Boats to Attack Near Zalizny Port"
description: "Ukrainian marines used FPV drones launched from Barracuda boats against Russian positions in Zalizny Port for the first time. Despite losing one boat to \"Lancet\" strikes, the operation was successful. The Ukrainian Navy continues to develop tactics for coordinating unmanned systems for sea-based attacks. 🚤🚁🇺🇦"
date: 2026-07-20T08:44:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ukrainian-marines-used-drones-from-barracuda-boats-in-zalizny-port-en
tags: [ukraine, barracuda, iron-port, naval-forces, fpv-drones]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Drone Battle in Kherson: How Ukrainian Marines Used Barracuda Boats to Attack Near Zalizny Port

![Ukrainian marines operate drone boats Barracuda via remote control on the banks of the Dnipro River](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/20/ukrainskie-morpehi-primenili-drony-s-katerov-barracuda-v-zheleznom-portu/ukrainskie-morpehi-primenili-drony-s-katerov-barracuda-v-zheleznom-portu-1.webp)

In the area of the temporarily occupied Zalizny Port in the Kherson region, the first recorded instance of Ukrainian marines using FPV drones launched from unmanned Barracuda boats took place. The operation, reported by RBC-Ukraine citing representatives of the 40th Separate Marine Brigade, demonstrated the effectiveness of new tactical coordination between unmanned systems.

### The Cost of Success: Loss of a Boat Under "Lancet" Fire

The combat mission was carried out under conditions of fierce enemy resistance. The unmanned boats (UBs) Barracuda, heading to the launch point, came under heavy enemy fire. Russian military forces employed a massed strike tactic: four "Lancet" loitering munitions were used to destroy one of the Ukrainian boats. As a result of this attack, the boat was lost.

Despite the loss of equipment, the main objective was achieved. The remaining boats successfully reached the designated point and deployed a mobile launch platform for strike drones.

### Strike from the Water and New Opportunities for the Navy

Following additional reconnaissance, FPV drones were launched into the air, delivering successful strikes on enemy positions in the Zalizny Port area. This episode became a logical continuation of the demonstration of Barracuda capabilities, which first took place on July 14. At that time, Ukrainian military personnel showed how unmanned boats coordinate actions with other systems to attack the occupiers.

Representatives of the Ukrainian Naval Forces emphasized that the synergy of various types of unmanned systems allows for a significant increase in the effectiveness of target detection and engagement. Using boats as floating launch platforms allows drones to be deployed into combat formation closer to the targets, bypassing part of the enemy's air defense zone.

### Development of Marine Robotics

The development of unmanned marine systems in Ukraine is not limited to current operations. As previously reported by the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), a new concept for the use of marine drones is being developed in the country. It involves not only the destruction of military targets but also the seizure of sanctioned vessels in the Black Sea waters, followed by their entry into port for confiscation.

The commander of a GUR unit with the callsign "Ninth" noted that the basis of the new concept is the upgraded multi-purpose unmanned surface vehicle "Katran". Integrating such platforms into the combat order of the Navy opens new horizons for controlling sea communications and delivering precision strikes on enemy infrastructure.