First photo of Ukrainian Magura V7: What we know about naval drones that downed two Su-30s
Photo: What we know about the Magura V7 sea drones that shot down two Russian Su-30s in the Black Sea (illustration/Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine successfully shot down two Russian Su-30 aircraft in the Black Sea using Magura V7 naval drones. Naval News revealed details about them and showed the first photo.
Some initial statements indicated that the Magura V5 drone was used, but in fact, it was the larger Magura V7.
“This is the first time that the V7 variant has been revealed to the public,” the article reads.
The Magura V7 differs from the Magura V5, having a wider hull with large fixed launch rails.
“The V7 is essentially an enlarged Magura V5, the baseline model used to ram enemy ships with an explosive charge. It is approximately 8 meters (26 feet) long compared the the V5 at 5.5 meters (18 feet),” the media writes.
Engagements may take place at around 10 km, although it may be much shorter in practice than in theory.
The V7 represents a mature capability compared to the Sea Dragon version, which can be considered a prototype.
"It is cleaner and better thought out. It is unclear however whether it is exclusively armed with Sidewinder missiles or can carry other weapons,” the article adds.
The Magura V7 has similar lines to the V5 version but features a modified nose shape. This design suggests improved seaworthiness, useful for operations in winter.
“It is seen with several communications antenna and sensors. It does not appear to have an explosive charge in the bow, due to the lack of impact detonators, but this may be configurable,” the journalists say.
Two American Sidewinder missiles are mounted on aircraft launch rails, which apparently can be raised for launch. The missile's range and characteristics are similar to the Soviet AA-11 Archer (R-73) missiles.
“Engagements may take place at around 10 km, although it may be much shorter in practice than in theory,” the media specifies.
Downing of two Russian Su-30 aircraft in the Black Sea
Ukrainian forces shot down two Russian Su-30s in the Black Sea. Head of the Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov shared details, calling the event a historical moment.
To shoot down the two Su-30s, the intelligence used three Magura V7 unmanned boats. The fighter jets were shot down with AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missiles.
On May 2, the intelligence shot down a Russian Su-30 aircraft near Novorossiysk. Later, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that two Russian aircraft had been shot down.
