Navy Starling (drone)

2025

Development of a driverless boat from which a kamikaze drone can be launched

At the end of April 2025, it became known that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) "Starling-Navy" was modernized for use in a complex with driverless boats (BEC). In such a bundle, the drone will be able to be used to strike at coastal military facilities, as well as to organize ambushes on sea routes.

Starling-Navy is a kamikaze drone with a range of up to 10 km and a flight speed of up to 150 km/h. It can carry up to 1.5kg of payload on board. Control is carried out by the operator in real time via dedicated radio communication channels with the possibility of relay.

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Фото: CBST Press Office

According to the Izvestia newspaper, referring to information received at the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies (CBST), a modified version of the Starling-Navy apparatus can take off from sea-free boats. The device is specially adapted to conditions of high humidity and salty sea air: in particular, it received a sealed case with an anti-corrosion coating. For placement on board the BACK, the drone is equipped with vibration-resistant mounts with automatic opening at launch. In addition, the power system has been improved: the ability to quickly charge from the ship's onboard system has been implemented.

The upgraded Starling-Navy can be equipped with various types of combat load, including cumulative or fragmentation ammunition. The developers declare compatibility with most modern backs, including the Katran-type platform. After launching from the boat, the drone will be able to remove 5-10 km, conducting visual or IR reconnaissance. If a target is detected, the operator will be able to give a command to defeat it. If necessary, the Starling-Navy apparatus will be able to be used in conjunction with other kamikaze drones.^[1]

Transfer to the Navy

In early March 2025, the United Russia Party, the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies (CBST) and the Nasha Pravda Foundation transferred the Navy Starling drones to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. This unmanned aerial vehicle is of the strike type - it is designed to hit various targets.

According to reports, TASS the "Starling of the Navy" was developed by order. Navy Russia The launch of the drone can be carried out from various platforms, including helicopters and jet skis. Drone able to quickly rise into the air and quickly respond to changes in the combat situation. These features allow the device to be used during various naval operations, in which the fastest deployment of air support is important.

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Фото: Website of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

As the head of the Central Executive Committee of United Russia, Alexander Sidyakin, notes, improving the work of marine robotics is one of the priority tasks of the CBST. As of March 2025, this organization unites more than 250 developers and manufacturers of unmanned civil and dual-use systems, electronic warfare (EW) and electronic intelligence (EER), anti-UAV and anti-air defense systems, as well as other special-purpose products for the needs of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

The competencies of our residents allow us to create advanced video control, navigation and transmission systems. This is what any keyless interaction is based on. We will continue this work together with the Black Sea Fleet, says Sidyakin.

The CBST notes that the experience gained by domestic developers of unmanned systems when performing tasks within the framework of the SVO serves as the basis for the formation in Russia of a world-class competence center in the field of unmanned technologies.^[2]

Notes