Ukraine has today (11 Nov) kicked off fundraising for a fleet of killer sea drones. President Zelensky’s new initiative aims to acquire a hundred sea-based, multipurpose drones, each costing $250,000. The sleek-looking vessels are able to carry a "combat load of up to 200 kg" and can be driven at 80kmh to blow-up enemy ships. The main task of these drones will be to protect the waters of Ukrainian seas, as well as peaceful cities, from Russian battleships and cruise missiles. The fleet will also help unlock corridors for civilian vessels to transport grain to the rest of the world. President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, announced: “We will raise funds for the fleet of naval drones. "I think absolutely everyone understands what this is and what it is needed for, and I am sure that millions of people will support this direction in our defense. "Everyone has already seen how it works. And this is only for the protection of our marine water area, we claim nothing that does not belong to us. “We protect our nation by protecting our waters. We hope millions of people will support Ukraine’s defense of freedom and the new naval fleet of drones." Oleksiy Neizhpapa, Vice Admiral, Commander of the Naval Forces of the Ukrainian Navy, stated: "Naval drones have already proven their asymmetric effectiveness and can significantly rebalance Black Sea operations. "The Russian fleet is constantly terrorising Ukraine and our cities. 100 multipurpose surface devices will cement the success of the Navy, following the sinking of the Moskva cruiser and recapturing of the Snake Island. "They will also give us the opportunity to better protect both the sea and our country's entire territory." Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Digital Transformation, added: "Donors from 110 countries have contributed to Ukraine’s defense via UNITED24. "Through our ‘Army of Drones’ and now ‘Fleet of Drones’ initiatives, Ukraine showcases effective and transparent stewardship of foreign donations. "People from all over the world understand that for the victory of Ukraine, it is necessary to strengthen our army".
