Romania Destroys Ukrainian-Developed Sea Baby Drone in Black Sea

Incident Overview

The Romanian military successfully destroyed a Sea Baby maritime drone on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, after it was found endangering navigation in the Black Sea. The unmanned surface vehicle (USV) was located approximately 36 nautical miles (66 km) east of Constanta. Romanian defense officials confirmed the object was a Sea Baby, a type of maritime drone developed by Ukraine.

Details of the Neutralization Operation

Upon detection, military explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) divers from the Romanian Navy were dispatched to investigate the drifting object. After identifying it as a Sea Baby naval drone, the intervention team received approval to neutralize it in accordance with operational procedures. The drone was subsequently destroyed by a controlled detonation at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time.

Black Sea Security Context

This incident occurs amidst escalating concerns regarding maritime safety in the Black Sea, largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The presence of such drones and drifting mines poses significant risks to commercial shipping, leading to increased insurance rates for vessels operating in the region. Romania, along with Turkey and Bulgaria, maintains a joint task force dedicated to defusing stray mines, with approximately 150 drifting mines having been discovered and destroyed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have also discussed Black Sea safety in light of recent attacks on Russia-linked tankers.

About the Sea Baby Drone

The Sea Baby is a Ukrainian-developed multi-purpose unmanned surface vehicle (USV), primarily used by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). These drones are capable of carrying significant explosive payloads, with some variants able to transport up to 850 kg of explosives, reach speeds of up to 90 km/h, and have an operational range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. They have been utilized in various operations, including attacks on the Crimean Bridge and Russian naval vessels.

Official Statements and Denials

While a Romanian Defence Ministry spokesperson confirmed the drone was a Sea Baby, they declined to specify its country of origin. However, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) subsequently denied the Romanian statement, asserting that 'all naval drones participating in the operation in the Black Sea continue to perform combat missions, none of them has been lost'.