Solutions to win: Ukrainian naval drones now equipped with anti-aircraft missiles

The Magura V5 marine drone, which was used by the Group 13 Special Unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine to destroy a Russian speedboat in the Black Sea on May 6, turned out to be a carrier of R-73 anti-aircraft missiles.

"Militarnyi" reports this, referring to the video from the Russian mass media.

What is the problem?

Russia had complete control over the Black Sea, with a fleet of missile frigates, boats equipped with similar weapons, submarines, and various support ships. These forces were supplemented by aircraft from occupied Crimea.

In contrast, Ukraine lacked the necessary large warships to combat Russian forces at sea effectively. The Russian ships could anchor 300 kilometers away, launch missiles, and conduct reconnaissance without facing any resistance from long-range missile systems.

However, in 2022, Ukraine made history by creating the first-ever fleet of maritime drones. These small and agile unmanned boats have significantly shifted the sea power balance. As a result, Russia is now losing a significant number of its powerful ships and is forced to keep them at a safe distance from Ukrainian shores.

What is the solution?

Ukraine's intelligence utilized the Magura V5 marine drone to successfully take down a Russian speedboat in the Black Sea on May 6.

Interestingly, the drone was equipped with R-73 anti-aircraft missiles, which it used against a Russian Mi-8 helicopter.

However, the missile failed to hit its target. As confirmed by a photo taken by a Russian helicopter, one missile was missing.

^{Photo: video screenshot}

How does it work?

According to "Militarnyi" experts, the video reveals the addition of a superstructure to the drone, which resembles the Soviet R–73 air-to-air missile.

This indicates that the "anti-ship drones" are equipped to carry weaponry and can successfully target enemy ships, as evidenced by the intense explosion following the drone's strikes.

The R-73 missile is a close-range air-to-air missile that can also be fired from land-based installations. It features a thermal homing head, so it doesn't rely on radar or other systems for guidance.

The unique tail shape sets this missile drone apart from the previously similar P-60 missile.

"The launcher contains two missile guides and is most likely stabilized to compensate for the motion of the sea. Additionally, it may be able to rotate. The missile probably utilizes GPS technology to lock onto its target," the publication noted.

For reference:

On May 6, Ukraine's intelligence utilized a Magura V5 drone to successfully strike and demolish an adversary speedboat located in Crimea's Vuzka Bay.

Eventually, the intelligence clarified that they had sunk a Russian "Mongoose" 150 series boat in the Black Sea. These boats are rare in those waters.

Also, the head of Ukraine's intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, reported that the Russian missile boat "Ivanovets" was destroyed by Ukrainian-made MAGURA V5 naval drones on the night of February 1.

Furthermore, on February 14, the vast amphibious assault ship "Cesar Kunikov" was sunk near Alupka. Ukraine's intelligence "Group 13" successfully used Magura V5 drones in a covert operation to demolish the vessel. It is worth mentioning that this modern Russian ship was one of the latest additions to their naval fleet.

Finally, the Russian patrol ship "Sergey Kotov" of Project 22160 was also destroyed.

The first target of these surface drones was the Russian reconnaissance ship "Ivan Khurs."