France tests drone analogous to Ukraine's Magura V5 on barge
Illustrative photo: France has tested an analog of the Magura V5 maritime drone (Getty Images)
France has developed a kamikaze marine drone, which is an analog of the Ukrainian Magura V5. It was tested during an attack on a decommissioned barge, according to the Defense Express.
The impact site was previously protected with car tires and metal sheets to prevent the ship from sinking.
The experiment was part of the POLARIS initiative to prepare the French Navy for high-intensity combat operations, which began in 2021. Only recently, according to Defense Express, under the same initiative, France exploded a sea mine next to its frigate as an experiment.
According to the Navy Command, the purpose of the experiment with the naval drone was to:
- test new drones;
- gain experience in the use of this type of system.
Although nothing is known about the French naval drone, according to the video, it is very similar to the Ukrainian Magura V5.
"The French Navy is actively studying Ukraine's experience in this area and preparing for new threats on the modern battlefield. Especially due to the ever-growing threat from China and Russia," Defense Express adds.
Magura V5
Magura V5 is a Ukrainian naval kamikaze drone designed to engage maritime and coastal targets. It was created during a full-scale war as a response to the need for asymmetric deterrence of the Russian fleet. The drone has a small radar and heat signature, and is capable of traveling at high speeds and over 800 kilometers.
As reported last year by Polish scientists, it was the Magura V5 that destroyed the most Russian ships during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
