Ukraine’s Defense Forces have added a new unmanned surface vessel (USV) to their naval capabilities, receiving a Latvian-made FOG system funded and delivered by the Latvian charity foundation Ziedot.lv.
According to reporting by Militarnyi, Ziedot.lv financed the acquisition through donations from Latvian citizens and private companies. The FOG platform, fully designed and manufactured in Latvia by NEWT21, was first unveiled in May last year. The unit delivered to Ukraine is configured specifically for frontline observation missions, reinforcing the country’s growing inventory of unmanned maritime systems.
The vessel’s carbon-fiber hull combines lightweight construction with operational durability, allowing for extended deployments at sea. NEWT21 reports that the USV has already completed a 100-kilometer trial run, with a maximum operational range of up to 700 kilometers depending on payload and fuel configuration. The system can operate autonomously along pre-programmed routes or be remotely controlled by operators, offering flexibility for a range of reconnaissance and surveillance tasks.
Ukrainian personnel completed training on the system late last year. Specifications indicate that the FOG weighs approximately 200 kilograms and can carry a payload of 100 to 200 kilograms. Its hull measures 4.5 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width. Propulsion is provided by a 90-horsepower water-jet engine, capable of cruising at 50 km/h and reaching a maximum speed of 78 km/h. Fuel capacity ranges from 30 to 200 liters, with consumption averaging around 11 liters per hour, depending on conditions.
The vessel carries a day/night electro-optical suite, including a television camera for surveillance. The Ukrainian unit is also equipped with a Starlink antenna to ensure reliable data and command links during long-range operations.
The arrival of the FOG system underscores the importance of European support for Ukraine’s modern unmanned capabilities. With naval drones playing an increasingly critical role in countering Russian forces in the Black Sea and along Ukraine’s coastline, the addition of a domestically developed Latvian platform reflects the growing collaboration between Kyiv and European partners in advancing frontline maritime technology.
