From Cossack longships to sea drones: the evolution of the Ukrainian Navy

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Ukrainian Navy traces its lineage to 17th-century Zaporizhian Cossacks who raided Ottoman strongholds using small, agile vessels. Today, the force has pivoted from traditional surface warfare to asymmetrical tactics, utilizing sea drones to challenge Russian naval dominance in the Black Sea despite the loss of its primary warships.

The modern Ukrainian Navy originated from the remnants of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet following the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union. The transition was fraught with tension, as the Russian Federation and Ukraine vied for control over the fleet's vast assets, which in January 1992 included 80,000 personnel, 69 major warships, and 29 submarines. During this period, many Black Sea Fleet personnel hesitated to pledge allegiance to the newly independent Ukraine, leading to a complex 'battle for the oath' where individual units and officers declared loyalty to Kyiv despite directives from Moscow threatening severe sanctions.

Historically, the Ukrainian naval identity is rooted in the Zaporizhian Sich Cossacks of the 1600s. These forces utilized chaikas—small, low-profile ships reminiscent of Viking longships—to conduct daring raids against the Ottoman Empire. By employing strategies like attacking with the sun at their backs and focusing on boarding enemy vessels rather than sinking them, the Cossacks achieved notable successes, including a 1615 raid on Istanbul. This legacy of asymmetrical warfare has resurfaced in the current conflict, where Ukraine relies on innovative tactics to counter a numerically superior opponent.

Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, the Ukrainian Navy has faced significant attrition, losing its largest warships, including its flagship. Headquartered in Odesa, the service branch has been forced to adapt its operational doctrine. By integrating sea drones and other asymmetrical methods, the Ukrainian Navy continues to hamper Russian naval operations and limit their control over the Black Sea. This shift marks a departure from the traditional naval structure that Ukraine sought to build after gaining independence, reflecting a pragmatic evolution in the face of existential military pressure.

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