Ukraine has successfully shot down two Russian jets sent to interdict their surface drones in the Black Sea. We can reveal the previously unreported surface drone (USV) which scored the kills using American Sidewinder missiles.
Ukraine’s successful shooting down of an Su-30 Flanker fighter on May 2, which was reported yesterday, has been joined by a second downed Flanker. These are the first two fighter jets in history to be downed by an uncrewed surface drone, but they are unlikely to be the last. We can now add further details following statements by Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, chief of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Directorate (HUR), and by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Naval News can reveal the previously unreported maritime drone (USV) which scored the kills.
As a point of detail, some statements indicated that a Magura V5 drone was used, but Naval News can confirm that it was in fact a larger Magura V7. This is the first time that the V7 variant has been revealed to the public.
Naval News initially reported, before further information was available, that the USVs likely used AA-11 Archer missiles. That configuration, known as Sea Dragon, was the only one publicly known. Now we can reveal the Sidewinder armed type.
A Mature Capability: Magura V7
The Magura V7 is quite different from the USV used to carry Sea Dragon missiles. That was a wider hull with large fixed launch rails. The V7 is essentially an enlarged Magura V5, the baseline model used to ram enemy ships with an explosive charge. It is approximately 8 meters (26 feet) long compared the the V5 at 5.5 meters (18 feet).
The V7 represents a mature capability compared to the Sea Dragon version which can be thought of as the prototype. It is cleaner and better thought out. It is unclear however whether it is exclusively armed with Sidewinder missiles or can carry other weapons.
The Magura V7 shares similar lines to the V5 version but has a reshaped bow. This feature suggests improved sea keeping, useful for operations in winter. It is seen with several communications antenna and sensors. It does not appear to have an explosive charge in the bow, due to the lack of impact detonators, but this may be configurable.
Sidewinder Armed
The two American-made Sidewinder missiles are mounted on their aircraft launch rails, which appear to be able to be elevated for launch. The missile’s operational range and performance is similar to the Soviet era AA-11 Archer (R-73) missiles used by the Sea Dragon. Engagements may take place at around 10 km, although it may be much shorter in practice than in theory.
The success of Ukraine’s uncrewed surface drones (USVs) cannot be overstated. They are rewriting the rules of naval warfare.
