Ursula (drone)

Lore & Background

The Ursula USV was developed by Kyiv-based NoviTechNet, which revealed on 12 July 2025 that they had created an unmanned surface drone capable of reconnaissance, carrying FPV drones, or operating as a floating mine. It is around 1 meter long and battery-powered. Its small profile allows it to hide among a river's flora. In addition to a platform that can carry an FPV drone, it can be outfitted with sensors or armed with an explosive charge. Due to its small size and ability to carry an FPV drone, it has been called a 'tiny aircraft carrier'.

In December 2024, Ukraine used USVs carrying FPV drones to attack Russian oil platforms in the Black Sea that were equipped with radars and GPS jamming equipment. In 2025, Ukraine began testing small USVs called Black Widow 2 on rivers; those are around 1 m long, weigh 8 kg, and can carry a payload of 3 kg. The Black Widow 2 prototype was unveiled in October 2024.

Reader's Guide

The Ursula represents a notable development in unmanned naval warfare, particularly in riverine and coastal environments. Its small size and battery power allow it to operate covertly among river flora, making it difficult to detect. The ability to carry an FPV drone transforms a simple USV into a mobile launch platform, extending the reach of aerial reconnaissance or attack drones. Additionally, its versatility—being configurable with sensors, an explosive charge, or as a floating mine—makes it a multi-role asset. The nickname 'tiny aircraft carrier' underscores its unique role as a miniature carrier for drones. The context of its development during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the prior use of USVs carrying FPV drones against Russian oil platforms in December 2024, highlights the operational niche such vehicles fill. The Ursula's design appears to build on lessons from earlier small USVs like the Black Widow 2, which were tested on rivers in 2025.

Did You Know?

• It has been called the world's smallest aircraft carrier due to its ability to carry an FPV drone.
• The Ursula can be outfitted with sensors, an explosive charge, or operate as a floating mine.