How sonobuoys, towed arrays, and MAD divide ASW work

Which sensor is most useful against uncrewed vessels in the Black Sea: magnetic-anomaly detection, towed sonar, or air-dropped sonobuoys?

Sonobuoys offer flexible, persistent searches, towed sonar supports long-range triangulation, and magnetic-anomaly detection better suits larger targets. Surface USVs also call for radar and emissions detection.

Air-dropped sonobuoys are the favored option for this search because helicopters and other aircraft can place them and leave them listening for a time. Ship-towed sonar remains useful for long-range triangulation and is described as generally more powerful than individual sonobuoys. Magnetic-anomaly detection still has a role, although larger underwater targets suit it better than small uncrewed vehicles. The question's terminology needs care: UUVs operate underwater, while USVs remain on the surface. Radar and electronic-emissions detection therefore become more prominent against USVs, even though acoustic sensors can still help. The discussion recalls Allied destroyers listening to German radio traffic late in World War II as an example of the opportunities created by poorly protected communications.