Ukrainian Magura naval drone found near coast of Greece: What is known

Discovery of a drone off the coast of Lefkada

In the Ionian Sea, near the southern part of Lefkada island, an uncrewed maritime vehicle was found on Thursday.

According to Greek official sources, the device was identified as a Ukrainian naval drone Magura V3.

The incident prompted an immediate response from several agencies, including the Greek Ministry of National Defense and specialized explosive ordnance disposal units.

Contents and threat assessment

Preliminary reports indicate that detonators were found inside the device, but no explosive material was detected.

This allowed authorities to downgrade the initial threat level, which had prompted deployment of EOD specialists from the TENX demining battalion to the site.

Despite this, experts continue to carry out a detailed examination of the drone’s structure and equipment.

Versions of origin and purpose

Investigative authorities are considering several possible scenarios regarding the appearance of the drone in the region.

Among them is the potential use of the device in operations linked to illicit maritime activity, including smuggling schemes.

Another hypothesis being examined suggests that the unmanned vehicle could be connected to possible attacks on vessels belonging to the so-called shadow fleet, used to transport Russian oil in circumvention of sanctions restrictions.

Previously recorded incidents

In recent months, similar cases have already been recorded in the region. In December, damage to the Russian tanker Kendyl was reported, while in March, there was an explosion on the tanker Arctic Metagas in an area southeast of Malta.

Discovery and handover to authorities

According to sources, the drone was found by fishermen inside a coastal cave near Cape Dukato.

It is reported that the device’s engine was still running at the time of discovery.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense handed over unique exhibits to the War Museum in Kyiv — large-scale models of Magura V5, V6, and V7 maritime drones, equipped with elements of their weaponry.

It is also noted that new images have been published online of the Ukrainian Magura V7 unmanned maritime vessel, which belongs to uncrewed surface platform systems. A key feature of this model is its reported ability to engage aerial targets while remaining on the water.