Ukraine Expands Drone Warfare With Mothership Carriers

Ukraine is expanding its drone warfare by using mothership platforms—boats, aircraft, and ground systems—that carry and launch FPV and interceptor drones, extending reach and offering cheaper, flexible options for both offense and air defense. The tactic evolved from drone boats and fixed-wing carriers and has grown to sea-based motherships like the Katran, plus airborne launches from aircraft such as the An-28, with ground robots also involved. Ukrainian officials describe motherships as a practical adaptation, not a single game-changer, enabling smaller drones to operate farther, closer to targets, and with reduced risk to operators while defending key Black Sea cities.