Magura V5 drone destroyed most Russian ships during the war - study
Photo: Magura V5 drone hit most Russian ships (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Polish scientists have released the results of a study on the most effective maritime drones in the Russia-Ukraine war. In the article, published in the Political Science and Security Studies Journal, they concluded that the Ukrainian drone Magura V5 destroyed most Russian ships during the full-scale aggression.
Thus, the scientists analyzed the impact of unmanned maritime drones on the security situation in the Black Sea region and identified the most effective naval drone.
According to the study, in the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian maritime drones hit 22 military ships, of which 8 were destroyed. Among them, Mykola and Mamay drones hit 2 ships each, Sea Baby - 4 ships, Magura V5 - 14 ships, 8 of which were destroyed.
The researchers relied on open sources. Ukrainian and Russian maritime drones that came into the scientists' focus included: Mykola, Magura V5, Mamay, Sea Baby, TOLOKA TLK-150, Marichka - of Ukrainian production, and the only known Russian maritime drone so far - Oduvanchik (Dandelion).
About the Magura V5 maritime drone and its targets
Magura V5 (Maritime Autonomous Guard Unmanned Robotic Apparatus) is a Ukrainian unmanned surface drone used for reconnaissance and destruction of enemy targets. It is known that this drone is used by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR), specifically the Group13 special unit.
Currently, the Magura V5 is the first maritime drone in the world that completely destroyed targets in combat conditions. The confirmed and officially recognized by Ukrainian military intelligence targets are:
- reconnaissance ship Ivan Khurs (damaged on May 24, 2023);
- patrol ship Sergei Kotov (damaged twice - on July 24 and September 13, 2023);
- landing boat D-144 Serna (sunk on November 11, 2023, along with the BTR-82 on board);
- landing boat D-295 Akula (sunk on November 11, 2023);
- missile boat Ivanovets (sunk on February 1, 2024);
- large landing ship Tsezar Kunikov (sunk on February 14, 2024);
- patrol ship Sergei Kotov (sunk on March 5, 2024, along with the Ka-29 helicopter);
- two high-speed special-purpose boats RIF-75 (destroyed on May 6, 2024).
In addition, during a large-scale attack on the KS-701 Tunets boats on May 30 of this year, three such vessels were damaged by drones, and one was destroyed.
Earlier, the Defense Intelligence stated that when choosing a target for Magura, any objects within an 800-kilometer radius are considered.
Moreover, the GUR confirmed that R-73 missiles, which have already proven their effectiveness, were installed on these maritime drones. In particular, they have deprived the Russians of dominance in the Black Sea.
As for the Sea of Azov, intelligence does not rule out that Magura could be used in this area as well. However, this will depend on the situation and conditions in which they will have to operate.
Read more about this maritime drone in the RBC-Ukraine article "Magura V5. Ukrainian surface drone sinking Russian fleet: Features and details."
