Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) publicly unveiled its powerful Magura naval drones for the first time on May 14, showcasing a critical technology that has played a key role in Ukraine’s defense of the Black Sea.
These drones, along with the Sea Baby drones developed by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), have been instrumental in damaging or destroying several Russian naval and aerial assets. Officials say the drones have helped Ukraine shift the momentum in the Black Sea, despite Russia’s larger fleet.
According to HUR, its elite Group 13 unit has used the Magura drones to strike 17 Russian targets at sea and in the air. Fifteen of those, including major warships and aircraft, were destroyed. Among the confirmed hits are two Mi-8 helicopters, two Su-30 fighter jets, and three major Russian Black Sea Fleet vessels—the Sergey Kotov, Ivanovets, and Ceasar Kunikov.
The Magura drone series includes several models with specialized capabilities:
- Magura V5: Designed as a “ship-killer,” this version focuses on heavy damage.
- Magura V7: Can be equipped with machine guns or anti-air missiles.
- Magura V6P: A multi-platform model built for various mission types.
As of 2024, Ukrainian forces had reportedly destroyed or disabled nearly one-third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet through an aggressive campaign using drones and missiles. This was a significant blow to Moscow’s naval operations, given its larger and more established fleet.
In response to the losses, Russia has pulled many of its key warships and assets further east, away from occupied Crimea. This move has reduced direct hostilities in the Black Sea and has allowed Ukraine to reopen some of its maritime trade routes.
