Russia Deploys New Sirius-82 Drone Boats On The Dnipro River

The Russia-Ukraine War remains locked in a complex stalemate, with Russian forces unable to break through determined Ukrainian defenses. While much of the fighting has focused on key cities in the Donetsk Oblast, a quiet but consequential battle is underway over several strategic islands in the Dnipro River. Ukraine currently holds these islands, as well as the western bank of the river. Russia, which controls the eastern bank, is attempting to capture the islands to support assaults across the river, including efforts to retake Kherson. As elsewhere in the war, both sides are turning to technology to gain an advantage. Recent videos released by the Russian military show a new robotic boat, the Sirius-82 Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). Though relatively simple, the system will provide significant support to Russian forces in their fight for control of the Dnipro River and its islands.

The Sirius-82 USV

The Sirius-82 is a Russian USV that was first observed this month operating in the Dnipro River. While detailed technical specifications have not been publicly disclosed, several videos have appeared on social media showing the system in use. These videos indicate that the Sirius-82 is compact, approximately two meters in length, and intended primarily for riverine operations. The vehicle appears to be battery powered, suggesting it is designed for shorter-duration missions rather than extended patrols.

One video shows the Sirius-82 transporting two YaRM anchored river mines, which weigh approximately 13 kilograms each. The mines are placed on the vessel’s deck, which includes mechanical actuators that release them into the water. The same video also shows a Russian soldier preparing the Sirius-82 for this deployment. The design appears modular, allowing the vessel to carry a range of payloads both on its deck and within a cavity in the hull.

Despite rapid advances in robotics by both Russia and Ukraine, the Sirius-82 appears to have a simple design. The released footage shows that the system is remotely controlled by an operator using a joystick interface similar to those used for FPV drones, while monitoring a live video feed on a laptop. The system does not appear to have the autonomy, navigation aids, and sensor suites associated with larger maritime USVs.

Russian Use Of The Sirius-82 To Lay And Clear Mines In The Dnipro River

The released videos specifically show the Sirius-82 being used to emplace two YaRM anchored river mines in the Dnipro River. These Soviet-era shallow-water mines are designed for inland waterways and are typically anchored just below the surface, where they pose a significant threat to small resupply boats and assault craft with shallow drafts. Russian forces are using these mines to target and destroy Ukrainian resupply vessels moving to the islands. At the same time, Ukrainian forces have deployed similar river mines to slow or disrupt Russian assault craft attempting to cross the river or approach contested positions, turning the Dnipro into a heavily contested and hazardous operating environment for small boats.

From a tactical perspective, it makes sense for Russia to use a USV to emplace these shallow-water mines. As on land, mine emplacement is an inherently dangerous task, and river environments offer little cover or concealment for crews operating small boats. Russia has already started using uncrewed ground vehicles for land-mine emplacement to reduce risk to personnel, and they appear to be applying the same approach to water.

In addition to laying mines, one of the released videos also indicates that the Sirius-82 can be used for demining. The video shows the Sirius-82 employed as a sacrificial platform, floating into a Ukrainian mine to clear a passage, potentially ahead of a Russian crewed assault boat. A social media post analyzing this new system suggests a more sophisticated approach for demining with the Sirius-82. A common Russian practice for clearing mines in the Dnipro involves dropping demolition charges with delayed fuzes at regular intervals into the river. These charges sink and detonate, triggering nearby mines in the surrounding area. Given its ability to remotely deploy munitions, the Sirius-82 could readily perform this task.

Other Uses Of The Sirius-82 USV

The released videos and commentary also imply that the Sirius-82 can be used to attack Ukrainian military boats in the Dnipro River. Such attacks would likely be “kamikaze”-style, with the Sirius-82 ramming into a Ukrainian boat and detonating an onboard charge, destroying both vessels. The Sirius-82’s low profile and electric propulsion provide a degree of stealth, while its quick speed allows it to close distances rapidly, leaving little time for the other boat’s operators to take evasive action.

Beyond attacking boats, the Sirius-82 may also support assaults on the islands themselves. One post indicates that the USV could potentially be used to medically evacuate soldiers from the islands, although the platform would likely require upgrades to handle heavier payloads. The post further suggests that the Sirius-82 could be used to deliver supplies to support forces once an island has been seized.

Trends and Implications of Systems Like Sirius-82

The emergence of systems like the Sirius-82 reflects a broader shift toward replacing humans with robotic systems on the battlefield. Both Russia and Ukraine face growing personnel constraints driven by a 600-mile front, mounting casualties, and ongoing mobilization challenges. As a result, tasks once performed by soldiers and sailors are increasingly being shifted to unmanned systems. This transition has been facilitated by rapid advances in aerial drone technology, which both sides have adapted and expanded throughout the war and are now applying across other domains.

The Sirius-82 also highlights another important trend in battlefield technology. Despite rapid advances in robotics, including increased autonomy and more advanced sensing, the Sirius-82 appears somewhat primitive. Rather than reflecting a push toward cutting-edge systems, it appears to have been purpose-built for this specific conflict and mission set. With no prior public disclosures, the system was likely developed and fielded quickly to meet an urgent operational need. Instead of prioritizing advanced technology, the Sirius-82 emphasizes speed of development and immediate utility. This trend is likely to continue, with both sides rapidly fielding tailored robotic systems designed to address specific battlefield problems.

The Sirius-82 illustrates how quickly a relatively simple unmanned system can be developed to fill critical gaps on the battlefield. Compact, expendable, and purpose-built for riverine operations, the system allows Russia to contest Ukrainian control of the islands in the Dnipro River. As the war continues and manpower pressures intensify, Russia and Ukraine will increasingly turn to purpose-built robotic systems similar to the Sirius-82.