The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has unveiled a series of MAGURA maritime drones capable of destroying Russian ships and aerial targets. The models in question are V5 and V7, reports LB.ua. Alongside them, the W6P model was presented – a multifunctional platform for reconnaissance and patrolling. All of these drones have distinct characteristics but are resistant to electronic warfare.
According to DIU estimates, MAGURA naval drones have already destroyed 21 Russian targets:
- 16 of which were Black Sea Fleet ships (including the Ivanovets missile ship, the Sergei Kotov patrol ship, the Caesar Kunikov large amphibious assault ship, and the Admiral Makarov frigate)
- three – helicopters
- two – fighters
These Russian losses are estimated at approximately half a billion dollars.
The strike was carried out by a team of fighters from the Group 13 special forces unit.
It is known that Russian Mi-8 helicopters were targeted by V5 drones armed with R-73 missiles. This occurred in December last year near occupied Crimea. Russian forces used their aircraft to destroy maritime drones that went hunting against them that day.
Two Russian Su-30 jets were shot down by V7 drones armed with US AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. This took place on 2 May 2025, 50 km off the coast of Novorossiysk.
The V7 is one and a half metres longer than its predecessor, the V5, and can carry twice the payload – with cargo delivery and firefighting added to its operational tasks.
This is the W6P model. It is 6.2 metres long and can carry a load of up to 400 kg. Like the models above, it is controlled via remote control with an encrypted communication channel and satellite connection. This drone, unlike the aforementioned models, is not capable of engaging Russian targets.
Hostile aircraft have posed a significant challenge for naval drone operators, preventing them from striking Russian ships – drones have been detected from the air and neutralised before they could approach the vessels.
However, the ability to “cover” groups of maritime drones with missiles changes the dynamic. At the same time, this is not only about deploying missiles on drones, but also multiple launch rocket systems.
“Today, we can say that the Main Intelligence Directorate and Group 13 have pushed the Black Sea Fleet back to their base,” said the commander of the special unit, call sign Thirteen.
According to him, Ukraine currently controls over 90% of the Ukrainian Black Sea.
As for the Russian formation of regiments of unmanned systems in the Black Sea, “today we cannot say that they have any significant success.”
In honour of MAGURA maritime drones, Ukrposhta has released a commemorative stamp. The stamp was redeemed by Ukrposhta Director Ihor Smelyanskyy, together with the Head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine maintains that naval drones represent the modern fleet of the 21st century – changing the very doctrine of the Navy.
It is worth noting that in 2023, the Russians also presented models of their naval drones, but there has been no news of their operation since then.