Ukraine Unveils Upgraded TLK-150 Kamikaze Underwater Drone

Ukraine has revealed an upgraded version of the TLK-150 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), a kamikaze drone designed for naval strikes. This marks the first public showcase of the enhanced model in two years, with significant modifications aimed at improving combat efficiency.

The TLK-150 kamikaze drone was unveiled during the Support Ukraine summit, a high-profile event where Ukraine demonstrated its latest defense technology to Western allies. President Volodymyr Zelenskyi included the autonomous underwater attack drone in a recently published video, highlighting its potential role in Ukraine’s evolving military strategy.

The latest version of the TLK-150 underwater drone appears closer to a serial production model rather than an early-stage prototype. This suggests that the system is now more refined and optimized for real-world deployment.

With Ukraine expanding its naval warfare capabilities, this latest development represents a major step forward in countering maritime threats, particularly in contested waters like the Black Sea, where Russia continues to maintain a significant naval presence.

Design Upgrades and Improved Capabilities

Since its initial public display at the Brave1 defense technology event in 2023, the TLK-150 kamikaze underwater drone has undergone a series of structural changes. The most noticeable modification is the relocation of its electric motors, which were previously mounted on stabilizers along the drone’s central section.

In the latest design, the propulsion system has been shifted to the rear, reducing the overall size of the drone and making it easier to transport and deploy. This design shift also eliminates the need for horizontal stabilizers and a central keel, further streamlining the drone’s shape for improved underwater maneuverability. With the engines and control surfaces now positioned entirely in the tail, the TLK-150 has a more compact, torpedo-like appearance, enhancing its stealth and hydrodynamic efficiency.

The drone is equipped with a warhead estimated to weigh between 20 kg and 50 kg, although official specifications remain classified. Measuring 2.5 meters in length, the TLK-150 UUV can operate at a range of 100 kilometers, making it ideal for stealth attacks on enemy ships, naval bases, and other maritime infrastructure.

Navigation and targeting are enhanced through a GPS system, a day camera, and a thermal imager for nighttime operations, ensuring precision strikes in low-visibility conditions. The drone also features antenna masts that extend above the water surface, allowing it to maintain communication with operators while remaining largely submerged.

The latest enhancements suggest that Ukraine is moving closer to integrating the TLK-150 underwater attack drone into its naval warfare strategy, potentially using it for hit-and-run attacks on Russian warships, maritime logistics, and key coastal targets.

Given its low-cost, high-impact design, this system could play a significant role in future asymmetric warfare scenarios, where small, autonomous strike platforms challenge larger, more conventional naval forces.

The Growing Toloka Underwater Kamikaze Drone Family

The TLK-150 is just one member of the broader Toloka UUV series, a family of autonomous kamikaze underwater drones developed by Ukraine to enhance its maritime strike capabilities. Alongside the TLK-150, the TLK-400 and TLK-1000 models offer increased range and firepower, demonstrating the country’s commitment to developing advanced unmanned naval warfare systems.

The TLK-400 is a more powerful variant measuring between 4 and 6 meters in length, with a range of 1,200 kilometers and the ability to carry a 500 kg warhead. This version is designed for long-range strikes on high-value naval targets, potentially giving Ukraine the ability to strike deeper into enemy-controlled waters.

Meanwhile, the TLK-1000, the largest drone in the series, spans 4 to 12 meters and boasts an operational range of 2,000 kilometers, carrying an explosive payload of up to 5,000 kg. With these heavier, long-range strike platforms, Ukraine is developing a multi-layered naval drone strategy, where different variants can be used for short, medium, and long-range attacks, making it more difficult for enemy forces to defend against incoming threats.

By continuing to refine and expand its kamikaze underwater drone program, Ukraine is setting new precedents in modern naval drone warfare. The development of these unmanned strike systems reflects a shift towards cost-effective, scalable warfare technologies that can neutralize high-value targets without exposing human operators to direct risk. As these drones become more advanced, Ukraine could potentially integrate artificial intelligence and swarm attack tactics, further enhancing their effectiveness on the battlefield.

Strategic Impact on Future Naval Warfare

The introduction of the upgraded TLK-150 kamikaze underwater drone signifies a major leap forward in Ukraine’s maritime defense strategy. With an emphasis on stealth, precision, and mobility, the TLK-150 UUV is well-suited for countering larger, more expensive naval assets, including warships, amphibious landing craft, and supply vessels. Given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, where naval dominance plays a critical role, the widespread deployment of unmanned attack drones could reshape the balance of power in the region.

Ukraine’s investment in autonomous underwater warfare technology signals a broader trend in modern military strategy, where low-cost, AI-driven systems challenge traditional high-cost naval fleets. By combining underwater drone warfare with aerial and surface drone capabilities, Ukraine is establishing a multi-domain combat approach that maximizes its offensive and defensive reach.

As Ukraine continues to refine the TLK-150 and its larger variants, Western allies are closely watching these developments, recognizing the potential of unmanned maritime strike systems in future conflicts. The ability to disrupt enemy supply lines, damage naval infrastructure, and conduct precision strikes on high-value targets makes the TLK-150 and its successors a formidable addition to Ukraine’s naval warfare arsenal.