Ukrainian defense company Aquatechnik has released new specifications for “Marichka”, a heavy unmanned underwater drone, as reported by Ukrainian defense portal Militarnyi.
These developments reflect Ukraine’s growing focus on unmanned naval capabilities to monitor waterways, conduct reconnaissance, and challenge Russian naval operations.
1,000 km range with stealth design
Marichka can travel up to 1,000 kilometers while carrying a payload of roughly one tonne. Its top speed is around 10 kilometers per hour. The drone is equipped with an inertial navigation system and uses low-noise engines and specialized hull materials to minimize detection by enemy sensors.
Week-long ambush capability
Marichka can hover at preset coordinates for up to a week and launch an attack once commanded. Its warhead can be adapted for striking ships, port infrastructure, or other targets, and with additional equipment, the drone can also carry out reconnaissance missions.
Part of broader unmanned naval program
The system is still in testing, and although it has not yet seen combat, Aquatechnik continues to refine Marichka’s propulsion and navigation systems. The drone was first publicly unveiled in August 2023 following successful trial runs.
Marichka is part of a wider line of unmanned naval systems developed by Aquatechnik for Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Militarnyi reports that engineers are developing four hull variants, alongside smaller river and sea drones, including models with fiber-optic communications capable of operating over 15-50 kilometers. Longer-range systems can cover up to 100 kilometers using alternative communication technologies.
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Frequently asked questions
Marichka is a heavy unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) developed by the Ukrainian defense company Aquatechnik. It is designed to challenge naval operations by monitoring waterways, conducting reconnaissance, and striking targets like ships and port infrastructure.
The Marichka can travel up to 1,000 kilometers while carrying a warhead weighing approximately one tonne. It operates at a top speed of around 10 kilometers per hour and is guided by an inertial navigation system.
The drone features a "week-long ambush capability," allowing it to hover at specific coordinates for up to seven days. It remains in a stationary state until it receives a direct command to launch its attack.
To maintain a stealthy profile, the drone utilizes low-noise engines and specialized hull materials that minimize its signature on enemy sensors. Its ability to operate entirely underwater further reduces the likelihood of visual or radar detection.
