Ukraine conducts first fully unmanned amphibious raid at Kinburn Split

By: Frederik Van Lokeren

The Ukrainian armed forces have reportedly conducted a groundbreaking amphibious raid against Russian-held positions at the Kinburn Split. Executed entirely by unmanned vehicles operating across the sea, land, and air domains, the operation marks the first completely automated amphibious assault in military history conducted under wartime conditions.

Operation Overview

The raid, reportedly conducted by Ukraine's 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade, involved delivering an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) onto a beach at the Kinburn Split via an unmanned surface vehicle (USV). Once deployed, the UGV took up a position and allegedly engaged an enemy target located further along the waterfront. The results of the amphibious raid were not reported.

Footage and Equipment

Footage of the operation was captured by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flying overhead to monitor the deployment. The video shows:

• A USV transporting a UGV, most likely a Ukrainian-made Rys UGV developed by Roboneers, equipped with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun.
• The USV lowering its ramps, allowing the UGV to roll off and quickly take cover in nearby vegetation.
• The USV departing the area once the UGV was concealed.

In a subsequent shot, the UGV is shown deployed at the water's edge, overlooking the beach and firing at a target in the distance. A close-up reveals the UGV firing at least three rounds:

• Two rounds hit the sand in front of the target.
• The last round, a tracer, flew in an arc, suggesting the UGV may have been firing at maximum range, which could explain the limited accuracy.

No footage was released showing the UGV being recovered by a USV, though the absence of such footage does not rule out a recovery mission. It is also unknown whether the target was occupied by Russian forces at the time, or if the raid was a demonstration to pave the way for future operations.

Strategic Context

The operation appears to be the first completely automated amphibious raid under wartime conditions, with unmanned vehicles operating in all three domains:

• Sea: Transportation via USV
• Ground: Assault via UGV
• Air: Observation and follow-up via UAV

Tensions on the Kinburn Split in southern Ukraine have been rising in recent weeks. Russian war bloggers have anticipated a Ukrainian amphibious operation in the near future, citing deteriorating Russian logistics in the region.

Ukrainian forces previously planted a Ukrainian flag at the Kinburn Split on June 25, most likely using a UAV. That video also included footage of airstrikes on the split, indicating sustained pressure on Russian positions.

Broader Campaign

Ukraine's mid-range drone strikes in recent weeks have targeted Russian logistics in southern Ukraine and Crimea, striking overland routes between Mariupol and Crimea. These drones have targeted Russian military trucks transporting fuel and ammunition to and from the frontlines. Russian forces have reportedly suffered significant losses, undermining their ability to keep frontline troops adequately supplied.

The Ukrainian partisan movement ATESH has reported that Russian forces garrisoned on the Kinburn Split withdrew due to supply failures. According to ATESH, units of Russia's 337th Regiment withdrew from the northern and western parts of the Kinburn Split due to the absence of food, ammunition, and fuel deliveries.