Russia developing Under-Ice Aquatic Drone

Russia’s Lazurit Central Design Bureau has teamed up with defense concern Almaz-Antey to develop an unmanned underwater vessel (UUV) capable of running under ice for up to three months, TASS revealed.

According to Interfax, a prototype of the Sarna drone under development will be ready this year, while serial production will begin in 2024.

Almaz-Antey deputy general director Alexander Vedrov said, “The deadline for the prototype is this year. Next year, we plan to move on to the creation of the head sample, and in 2023 – these are power plants and equipment that will complete the construction of this device.”

The Sarma is outfitted with precision navigation equipment, a communication system, and a range of equipment to help it perform under water. TASS added that the UUV can dive up to 1 km (0.62 miles) and cover a distance of 8,000 kilometers (4,971 miles).