UK’s Deadly New War Drones Are Ready to Strike – Russia Won’t Like This!

The United Kingdom is advancing the development of two uncrewed maritime vessels (UMVs), Wasp and Snapper, to aid Ukraine’s naval operations in the Black Sea. The initiative follows Ukraine’s success in using maritime drones to strike Russian naval assets.

UK Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle confirmed the existence of the two UMV programmes in parliamentary written responses on 4 February 2025. These were also referenced by UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, during the ADS Annual Dinner on 28 January.

“The system is currently undergoing final testing, and further details will be set out in due course,” said Eagle.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has not disclosed further details regarding the development of the Wasp and Snapper systems.

Rapid Development of New Maritime Capabilities

During a government event in late January, Healey highlighted the UK’s progress in rapidly developing new military technologies.

“Enhancing our own capabilities through Stormer and Starstreak… while Gravehawk, Snapper and Wasp have all been developed with breathtaking speed,” he stated.

These projects appear to align with a broader UK strategy to bolster Ukraine’s unmanned naval fleet, which has played a crucial role in countering Russian naval forces.

A month prior, the UK announced the development of a universal maritime drone for Ukraine. This drone is expected to be reusable, resistant to electronic warfare, and capable of engaging targets even in signal-denied environments. It will also be armed with at least two weapons for increased strike effectiveness.

Technical Specifications of the COOKSON System

The MOD outlined key capabilities for the new COOKSON maritime drone system, designed to enhance Ukraine’s naval defence. These include:

• A top speed exceeding 40 knots, even in rough conditions (Sea State 3).
• An 800-nautical mile range while fully laden and a minimum 72-hour endurance.
• Low observability with the ability to operate in GPS-denied environments.
• The capacity to carry multiple one-way effectors with high-explosive warheads (30–100 km range).
• Hard-kill air defence to counter threats such as drones and helicopters.

Additionally, the MOD specified munitions requirements, including:

• An 80kg high-explosive warhead with an 80–100 km range.
• The capability to attack both surface and coastal targets.
• Potential integration of machine guns, man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), and longer-range missiles.

Production is expected to begin at two to three vessels per month within six months of the order, with the first drone purchases set for early 2025. Testing of munitions will follow in late 2025 and early 2026.

Ukraine’s Naval Drone Success and the Future of Maritime Warfare

Ukraine has effectively used UMVs in attacks against Russian naval assets, forcing Russia’s Black Sea Fleet to reposition due to significant losses. By March 2024, over one-third of Russia’s fleet had been severely damaged or destroyed.

The effectiveness of these drones has led military strategists worldwide to reconsider how UMVs will reshape naval warfare. In August 2024, the UK MOD recognised Ukraine’s maritime drones as “proven invaluable” in the Black Sea, citing 26 Russian Navy vessels damaged or destroyed between February 2022 and June 2024.