New terrorist threat: Attack of
the drone boats
| | | | | Militaries worldwide have used remote-controlled boats since the end of World War II.
But technological advances have made sea drones more effective than ever before.
Over the past few decades, sea drones have been used for research, search and rescue, surveillance, and patrols.
Navy drones are on track to become a critical part of combat.
And Ukraine claims it’s one of the first militaries to have a unit dedicated to producing drone boats and have successfully used sea drones against Russia.
The war in Ukraine has served as an exhibit of the latest military technology, including sea drones.
Ukrainian drone boats, loaded with explosives, can speed across the surface of the water with a low radar signature making them hard for enemies to detect.
In addition, the Ukrainian boats have cameras and advanced GPS systems.
The most common boat used by Ukraine is the Magura V5, which looks like something from a James Bond movie.
The drone boat is about 18 feet long and weighs 2,200 pounds. It has a range of 500 miles and 60 hours of battery life and can carry about 450 pounds.
At the start of the war Ukraine attacked Russian ships, which led Russia to use patrol boats and helicopters to protect what was left of its naval forces.
But even the helicopters weren’t safe from Ukraine’s sea drones.
That’s because Ukraine started arming drone boats with remotely operated turrets for heavy machine guns.
And one of the drone boats shot down a Russian Mil Mi-8 helicopter.
It was reported to be the first kill by an unmanned boat against a surface vehicle.
“This is an unprecedented event with significant implications for Russia’s operations in the Black Sea,” said one military official.
In addition to taking down the helicopter, Ukrainian drone boats have also damaged bridges, stopping supply lines.
The drone boats cost Ukraine about $250,000 but can take out a ship worth millions of dollars.
While sea drones have been successful on the battlefield, it raises the question of how these might be used against civilians. | | | | Terrorists:
We know that terrorists are already using aerial drones, which means terrorists will eventually get their hands on sea drones.
They would likely equip the boats with explosives that could be used in a targeted attack against civilians.
Terrorists will likely target bridges or ports, so pay attention if you spot unmanned watercraft near bridges or ports or hear reports of it.
It could be a criminal up to no good.
Netting:
One low-tech way to stop drone boats is netting.
So, if you live near a waterway, you could have a large net as part of your survival gear. (Obviously, I realize 99% of people won’t do this, but it’s an option for local governments.)
Of course, you want to check the laws where you live since there could be restrictions on the type or size of the netting.
This is one of the best ways to stop a drone before it reaches the target, and it’s low tech and low cost, but could save the lives of people in the area.
Look for the source:
Like aerial drones, boats need to be controlled by someone, and in most cases, this person will be nearby.
So, if you spot a drone boat, start scanning for the source. You will likely be facing an amateur boat operator in the vicinity.
Try to find out where the person is located and alert authorities right away.
If a drone boat approaches you, create distance as fast as possible and try to safely determine if it could be a threat, then alert local officials.
Like many other military tools, it’s just a matter of time before drone boats start surfacing in the civilian world – for good or ill.
But this is just the newest threat to your safety on the horizon, so it’s necessary to be prepared for any and all eventualities.
Here’s my “field manual” for being prepared in the face of today’s threats and dangers. | | | | | Jason Hanson
Editor, Black Bag Confidential
| | | |
Black Bag Confidential Is Just One Small Part of Former CIA Officer Jason Hanson's Comprehensive Suite of Offerings...
Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways Jason can help YOU stay more prepared and protected in the unpredictable world we live in...
1. Attend Spy Escape Live!
This is our flagship live event as seen on Shark Tank and Fox News. You’ll learn escape and evasion, how to become a human lie detector, how to pick locks, gun and knife disarms, and more. Click here.
2. Get Crucial Tips About Premium Survival Food
Discover the most important survival food you can have for your family in a crisis, and what you must know before purchasing this type of food. Click here.
3. Easily Build Your Own “Survival Cache” In Our Expanded Gear Store
Check out our new survival gear store for incredible knives, t-shirts, videos and more. Click here.
| | | | |
