Ukraine deployed cutting-edge unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to neutralize a Russian missile boat in a dramatic clash off the coast of occupied Crimea earlier this week.
Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), disclosed that the operation, executed on the night of January 31 to February 1, saw the MAGURA V5 USVs, operated by the unmanned vehicle control unit of the 13th group of HUR, deliver a devastating blow to the Russian naval presence.
According to Budanov, the MAGURA V5 USVs scored six direct hits on the hull of the Russian vessel, subsequently causing it to capsize and sink.
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The target of the operation was the Ivanovets, strategically deployed on Lake Donuzlav, an inlet connected to the Black Sea and situated within the disputed region of Crimea. This action underscores the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia for control over Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.
The MAGURA V5 USVs, developed domestically in Ukraine, represent a significant advancement in unmanned naval technology. These versatile maritime autonomous guard unmanned robotic apparatuses are designed for many missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, patrolling, search and rescue, mine countermeasures, naval protection, and combat operations.
[adinserter name="One"]Their hydrodynamic body and sleek profile grant them a quasi-stealth capability and exceptional manoeuvrability, enabling them to operate effectively in various maritime environments.
Measuring 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length and 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in width, the MAGURA V5 boasts impressive performance metrics. With a cruising speed of 22 knots (40.7 kilometres per hour) and a maximum speed of 42 knots (77.8 kilometres per hour), along with a range of approximately 833 kilometres (518 miles), these USVs offer both speed and endurance.
Their unmanned control system significantly reduces the need for human resources during missions, minimizing potential risks in hostile or challenging situations.
[adinserter name="Two"]SpecialTechnoExport, the developers of MAGURA V5, highlighted its affordability and ease of deployment, making it a versatile solution for various naval operations. This was showcased at the International Defense Industry Exhibition in July 2023, where its capabilities garnered significant attention.
In a bold move, the HUR released a video on Thursday showcasing the successful operation of Ukrainian sea drones as they engaged the Russian missile boat off the coast of Crimea.
[adinserter name="Three"]Although the specific type of drone used was not disclosed, Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for the HUR, emphasized the effectiveness of Ukrainian naval drones in countering Russian aggression.
The sinking of the Ivanovets, estimated to be worth $60-70 million, represents a significant blow to Russian naval capabilities in the region.
The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine indicated that up to 40 Russian sailors could have been on board the vessel at the time of the attack.
[adinserter name="Four"]However, Russian mil bloggers and the defence ministry downplayed the incident, claiming that only four Ukrainian sea drones were “destroyed” overnight, without acknowledging the damage inflicted on the Ivanovets.
This clash underscores the intensifying conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea region, with unmanned technologies playing an increasingly pivotal role in modern naval warfare.
[adinserter name="Five"]The successful deployment of the MAGURA V5 USVs by Ukraine showcases the nation’s determination to defend its sovereignty and deter Russian aggression in the maritime domain.
