Ukrainian Special Operations Forces are now deploying former United States Navy riverine gunboats in their efforts to outmanoeuvre Russian troops along the Dnipro River. These vessels, originally designed during a previous era of warfare, are being revitalised for high-intensity frontline raids in Ukraine’s struggle against Russian occupation.
The Special Operations Craft – Riverine (SOC-R) is now a powerful tool in Ukraine’s defence arsenal. Equipped with five heavy machine guns, including M240s and fifty calibre weapons, along with GAU 17A miniguns and an MK19 grenade launcher, the gunboats are capable of delivering devastating firepower during short range assault operations. Each SOC-R is powered by two Japanese Yanmar diesel engines, each delivering 440 horsepower, and utilises a water jet system which enables navigation through shallow waters with a draft of only sixty centimetres.
Elite troops from Ukraine’s 144th Special Operations Centre, alongside cadets from the Air Assault Forces, are being trained to master the vessels in live exercises. The sessions are part of a comprehensive effort to integrate the American-supplied vessels into Ukraine’s military strategy. The training operations, observed by the UNITED24 media team, simulate full mission deployments including beach landings, live fire coverage, and stealth extractions.
One Ukrainian officer described the boats as an ideal solution for riverine missions, whether it is evacuating personnel or delivering a raid team under heavy cover. The crew rehearses every detail with precision, understanding that while the vessels and weapons are valuable, human life is the most critical resource.
The riverine tactics are designed to disrupt Russian positions in the Dnipro River Delta. With their manoeuvrability and firepower, the boats enable Ukrainian troops to launch surprise attacks, exfiltrate quickly, and maintain constant pressure on enemy forces.
While the hardware poses maintenance challenges—especially the electrically powered miniguns—Ukrainian forces are determined to keep everything in optimal condition for combat scenarios.
The exercises end with the cadets returning for a deserved rest, while the experienced special forces operators prepare for real deployments. As one soldier noted, “We are ready, but war requires relentless training. That is what we do every day.”
