Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) conducted a drone strike on a Russian Project 10410 Svetlyak-class patrol ship in the Caspian Sea near Kaspiysk, Dagestan, on May 17, 2026. The attack, carried out with a real-time controlled drone, hit the ship’s stern superstructure below the mast. Footage released by USF commander Robert "Magyar" Brovdi shows the vessel attempting to defend itself with automatic cannons but failing to intercept the drone. This marks the fourth Russian naval vessel targeted in the Caspian Sea in May, following strikes on a Karakurt-class missile ship and two other vessels near the same base.

The Svetlyak-class ships, operated by Russia’s FSB Border Service, are 375-ton patrol vessels designed for border control, coastal protection, and defense against air and underwater threats. With a crew of 28 and a top speed of 29 knots, they have been modernized since 2016 to include upgraded armament like the 76.2 mm AK-176MA gun. However, recent variants have seen reduced firepower to improve crew conditions.

The broader operation, coordinated by the Center for Deep Strike, involved 186 attacks across 46 targets in Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories during May 16–17. The repeated strikes in the Caspian Sea highlight Ukraine’s expanding use of long-range drones to target Russian military infrastructure far beyond the immediate conflict zone. The strategic implications point to a shift in asymmetric naval warfare, though long-term operational sustainability remains uncertain.