Operating in the Black Sea for five years without a name, badge, or spokesperson, Ukraine’s military intelligence Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) has lifted the veil on its most discreet maritime unit, known as Ferata. Speaking to El Mundo from a classified facility, the unit’s commander—identified by his combat call sign Ninth—revealed an operation that has evolved from a small room into a sophisticated network combining naval drones with artificial intelligence.
The unit’s headquarters resembles a video game arcade, functioning primarily as a laboratory where artificial intelligence systems are trained on thousands of combat attack videos. This technology allows naval drones to operate autonomously on the water. Ninth recalled that the structure began modestly with a small team before expanding into a dedicated research and development hub. The organization relies on the Katran strategic maritime system, an architecture rather than a physical ship, which connects individual units via QR code, supports any camera type, and integrates up to 500 distinct assets under a single command structure.
Rigorous Recruitment Standards for the Maritime Legion
Alongside its public debut, the unit has introduced a distinct iconography under the banner “Maritime Legion,” alongside promotional presentations for European partners and an action film titled Killhouse slated for European release. Recruitment filters remain stringent compared to standard military intake processes. Candidates must pass an intelligence quotient test while undergoing evaluations for athletic, tactical, and combat capabilities. Ninth noted that recruiting individuals under the age of 30 presents challenges due to the specific experience required, and women are accepted under identical criteria as men, serving across roles including drone pilots.
AI Systems Automate Operational Planning and Target Marking
The unit’s technological approach relies on automated operational planning through AI systems incorporating NATO manuals, which Ninth describes as significantly more advanced than standard frameworks. Once an operation zone is selected, the software compiles the enemy’s force footprint from the preceding month and a half alongside the coverage radius of local electronic warfare systems. During combat, surveillance feeds merge onto a single screen where the AI marks targets in real time, identifies ship types, and counts personnel on board. This allows operators to fight via digital maps rather than relying strictly on direct camera visuals.
Sustaining Maritime Operations Amid Satellite Constraints
This technological independence assumes critical importance as Washington limits satellite intelligence flows to Kyiv and restricts Starlink bandwidth. If internet access is severed, the Ukrainian vessels continue operating autonomously and select priority targets independently. Ninth emphasized that the entire framework was built entirely through domestic resources without foreign assistance or reverse technology transfers. According to his calculations, the team’s output over five years of conflict matches roughly 15 years of peacetime development.
Questions About Katran Drone Range and Operations
What is the range of the Katran maritime drone system?
The primary mother ships possess an operational range of up to 1,500 kilometers, while each vessel can carry up to 20 smaller sub-drones with an additional range of approximately 20 kilometers.
How does the Ferata unit handle communications if satellite internet is cut?
According to unit commander Ninth, the naval drones are designed to function independently and select priority targets on their own if connections to external networks like Starlink are disrupted.
What are the specific requirements to join the Maritime Legion?
Recruits must pass an intelligence quotient test, undergo evaluations for athletic and tactical skills, and generally meet a minimum age threshold of 30 years to ensure necessary operational experience.
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