Magura V5. Ukrainian surface drone sinking Russian fleet: Features and details

Magura V5

The Magura V5 (Maritime Autonomous Guard Unmanned Robotic Apparatus V-type) is a new generation of multi-purpose unmanned surface ships developed in Ukraine.

It can perform a variety of operations, such as surveillance, reconnaissance, patrolling, search and rescue, mine countermeasures, maritime security, and combat missions.

The V5's hydrodynamic hull and sleek profile allow it to move stealthily and perform maneuvers.

"It is an affordable solution that can be easily launched from any remote location. The V5's unmanned operation minimizes the need for human resources to complete missions, reducing potential fatalities while operating in harsh environments," the developers say.

Background

In November 2022, the Ukrainian government announced the development of a Ukrainian combat surface drone with a range of up to 800 km. It was first presented at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF), which took place from July 25 to 28, 2023, in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Photo: MAGURA V5 was first presented at an exhibition in Türkiye (Getty Images)

On July 29, 2023, a CNN report confirmed that the Magura V5 kamikaze boat already exists not only as an exhibition model but also as a system that is fully ready for use against the enemy.

On February 1, 2024, 10 Magura V5 drones attacked the Russian missile boat Ivanovets, 6 of which hit the target. As a result of the attack, the boat sank and all crew members (approximately 40 people) were killed. The use of Magura V5 was confirmed by the head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov.

Declared characteristics

Some technical specifications of the drone were published by the Ministry of Digital Transformation in November 2022, namely

• Length: 5500 mm or 5.5 m
• Width: 1500 mm or 1.5 m
• Gross weight: 1000 kg
• Payload: 320 kg
• Operating range: up to 400 km
• Range: up to 800 km
• Autonomy: up to 60 hours
• Cruising speed: 41 km/h
• Maximum speed: 78 km/h
• Navigation methods: automatic GNSS, inertial, visual
• Video transmission: up to three HD video streams
• The cost of the complex: 10 million hryvnias

In addition to the drone itself, which is equipped with an autopilot system, video subsystems, including night vision, redundant communication modules, and a warhead, the system includes a ground-based autonomous control station, a transportation and storage system, and a data center.

Most interesting detail

There is little information in open sources about drone control itself. But the Defense Express military portal, citing a CNN report, notes that the most interesting thing about the Magura V5 kamikaze marine drone is the control system. Its features mean that no complex infrastructure is required to launch these drones.

Experts note that the control panel of this marine drone looks quite compact, no larger than a modern laptop. And even if the remote control itself is placed in a case, it is probably more likely to ensure the shock resistance of the equipment during transportation.

Experts admit that this point is unlikely to take up much space, and is designed only for a few people who make up the staff of this kamikaze boat.

Another important detail is that our kamikaze boats do not seem to require specially equipped slips, as is the case with amphibious aircraft, etc.

So, presumably, the Magura V5 can be launched using any unequipped platform, but it will be a process that requires considerable physical effort, given the weight of the warhead at 320 kg and its total weight of up to 1 ton.

Another important detail about the possible configuration of the control system for our maritime drones can be seen in the promotional video from Spetstechnoexport state company, which shows the characteristics of Magura V5.

So, to summarize, the control system of our kamikaze boats is organized in a compact enough manner to ensure its survivability against the threat of massive missile attacks by the Russian Federation.

Magura drones sink Tsezar Kunikov ship

In addition to the destroyed Russian missile boat Ivanovets of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Magura drones have now also destroyed the Russian large amphibious assault ship Tsezar Kunikov. Today, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to hit the enemy's dock landing ship off the coast of the temporarily occupied Crimea near the city of Alupka.

As a result, the Tsezar Kunikov received critical holes in its port side and began to sink, while the occupiers' search and rescue operation was unsuccessful.

The intelligence also noted that this landing ship is one of the newest Russian vessels. Read more about the Tsezar Kunikov ship in the RBC-Ukraine report.