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Emerging detection and autonomous systems are transforming underwater and land warfare. Australia’s nuclear submarines face new threats from advanced sensors and AI, while China and Russia unveil uncrewed vehicles and sophisticated weaponry, signaling a shift towards highly integrated, tech-driven combat strategies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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Russia's Black Sea Fleet denies its submarine Novorossiysk suffered a malfunction after surfacing off France and being escorted by Dutch forces. Western officials suggest the vessel may be experiencing technical issues, with NATO tracking its movements. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Russia and Europe amid the Ukraine conflict.
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Ukraine's SBU announced significant upgrades to its Sea Baby naval drones, extending their range from 1,000 to 1,500 km and increasing payload capacity. These drones, now equipped with AI targeting and multiple weapon variants, have been used successfully against Russian vessels and infrastructure, marking a shift in Black Sea naval warfare.
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On October 29, the U.S. Coast Guard tracked the Russian Vishnya-class vessel Kareliya about 15 miles south of Oahu, outside U.S. territorial waters. The vessel's activity was monitored to ensure maritime security and support homeland defense, in accordance with international law. Russia has not commented.
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Ukraine is deploying advanced terrestrial and naval drones to counter Russian advances and improve battlefield resilience. Recent tests in Greece highlight NATO's push for indigenous drone technology amid ongoing conflict, while fog conditions in Ukraine challenge drone surveillance and Russian ground pushes in Pokrovsk intensify.
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On Nov 28-29, 2025, Ukrainian naval drones attacked two Russian-sanctioned oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, in Turkey's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. Both vessels, part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to evade sanctions, were damaged; Kairos caught fire while Virat sustained minor damage. Turkey condemned the attacks and is engaging with parties to prevent escalation. Separately, UK officials reported increased Russian naval activity near British waters, including laser targeting of RAF pilots by the Russian spy ship Yantar.