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The Russian Black Sea Fleet is already familiar with the capabilities of the Magura V5 naval drones. They are fast, difficult to detect, and effective. A recent update has introduced the ability to operate alongside a “swarm” of decoy drones. According to the developers, this feature helps overwhelm Russian electronic warfare systems, allowing the primary strike drone to reach its target and hit with greater precision.
One of the drone’s key advantages, according to military analysts, is its improved guidance system, which ensures high targeting accuracy. Additionally, it has an operational range of up to 800 km and carries around 300 kg of explosives. This payload is sufficient to disable even large vessels, as demonstrated in multiple past incidents.
The drone can be operated remotely via secure communication channels and features a low profile with minimal radar visibility. According to a report by ArmyInform, as it approaches an enemy vessel, the Magura V5 initiates its final attack maneuver. Its powerful engine and hydrodynamic design allow it to accelerate rapidly and effectively “ram” into the target’s hull.
Additionally, the Magura V5 can be equipped with missile systems. ArmyInform highlighted a recent operation in which the drone successfully destroyed two enemy helicopters and severely damaged another—marking the first time a naval drone has effectively engaged airborne targets.
According to the commander of Group 13, known by the callsign “13th”, this mission was the result of months of preparation and continuous team effort. “We had a clear objective and understood that every minute counted. In this operation, we didn’t evade enemy aircraft as usual; instead, we actively sought engagement,” he explained. “A helicopter is a fast-moving target. Once it enters the field of view, there are only minutes to position for a missile launch. We calculated everything precisely, and the missile hit the target on the first attempt.”
The Magura V5 was able to engage an airborne target thanks to an upgraded missile system adapted for launches from the water’s surface. Ukrainian engineers modified the R-73 air-to-air missile, integrating a new guidance system capable of operating at a wider angle. The enhanced missile has an effective range of up to 40 km.
Additionally, the Magura V5 equipped with the R-73 is the world’s first remotely operated surface-to-air missile system, even if currently limited to short-range aerial targets.
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