The Ukrainian Navy has unveiled upgraded US Small Unit Riverine Craft (SURC) boats, equipped with six-barreled M134 Minigun machine guns, in a video dedicated to the third anniversary of the creation of the river flotilla division. The transfer of two such boats was first announced in 2022, but it was not until 2024 that they appeared on camera, and now their equipment has become the subject of a detailed study. These high-speed multi-purpose vessels, delivered by the US, have significantly strengthened Ukraine's capabilities in river and coastal operations, becoming an important element in ensuring control over strategic waterways, primarily the Dnieper River.

Designed for river and coastal patrols, the SURC boats feature a rugged aluminum hull that resists small arms fire and can carry 16 to 20 troops. A convenient bow ramp is provided for landing troops, making them ideal for rapid tactical operations. The armament of the Ukrainian SURCs includes two positions in the bow where M134 Miniguns, known for their high rate of fire, are mounted, and one position in the stern equipped with either a Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher or an M2 Browning heavy machine gun. This configuration provides powerful fire cover and flexibility in combat conditions.

The technical equipment of the boats includes two Yanmar 6LY2A-STP diesel engines with a capacity of 440 horsepower each, providing a cruising speed of 35 knots (65 km/h) and a maximum of 39 knots (72 km/h). The displacement of the vessel is about 10 tons, and the cruising range reaches 250 nautical miles. For navigation and communication, the boats are equipped with modern systems: Raymarine SL72 LCD radar, ST 60 echo sounder, AN/PSN-11 radio stations with a GPS module and SINCGARS tactical radio networks, which allows for effective coordination of actions in difficult conditions.

Before the special military operation began in 2022, Ukraine did not have a full-fledged river flotilla on the Dnieper. The creation of this unit was made possible by significant support from the United States, which since 2022 has transferred more than 50 different boats to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including SURCs, 34-foot Sea Ark Dauntless patrol boats, and 40-foot Riverine Patrol Boats (RPBs). According to The War Zone, these vessels have significantly strengthened Ukraine's ability to protect river routes and coastal areas, especially in conditions where the bulk of the Ukrainian fleet has been lost or blocked in the Black Sea. The Dnieper-based river flotilla plays a key role in logistics, territorial control, and intelligence operations.