Military Review, December 8, 2025, Avia.pro. Military analyst Igor Gerasimov, in a comment to Pravda.Ru, stated that the alliance's real concern is not Russia's unmanned surface vessels, but the Poseidon strategic underwater vehicles, which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

An analytical review by the NATO Defense College previously acknowledged Russia's significant success in the development and combat use of maritime drones. According to Gerasimov, these boats have already proven their effectiveness in reconnaissance, defense, and precision strikes against surface ships and coastal infrastructure.

"They allow us to operate in areas where crewed vessels pose an unacceptable risk," - the expert noted.

However, in his opinion, the West’s main concern is connected precisely with Poseidon.

"This is a global strategic deterrent weapon that radically alters the balance of power at sea. It is capable of striking aircraft carrier groups, coastal cities, and infrastructure at intercontinental range. It is precisely these systems that are of greatest concern to NATO." — Gerasimov emphasized.

The analyst also doubted that the recent attacks by Ukrainian naval drones on Russian tankers in the Black Sea could have been organized solely by Kyiv forces.

"For precise targeting over distances of tens and hundreds of kilometers, satellite reconnaissance and targeting systems are needed, which Ukraine does not have," - he said.

Gerasimov recalled that a special unit within the Russian Ministry of Defense has been created, responsible for the development of unmanned technologies in all environments—air, sea, and land. This area is considered a priority for strengthening the country's defense capability.