HUR signed contracts to design a new USV with private companies who had previously worked with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in designing USVs, however had their partnerships terminated due to disputes with the SBU over project specifications and budget. A new partnership with HUR was formed that started the project which eventually developed the MAGURA V5.[1]
In November 2022, the Ukrainian government announced the development of a Ukrainian combat surface drone with a range of up to 800km.[3] The boat was first presented at the International Defence Industry Fair, which took place from 25 to 28 July 2023, in Istanbul, Turkey.[4] On 29 July 2023, a CNN report confirmed that the MAGURA V5 kamikaze boat existed not only as an exhibition model but also as an operational system.[5]
Unlike the Sea Baby used by the SBU, which carries a heavier explosive payload and is primarily used to strike stationary targets such as ships docked in port, the MAGURA V5 is designed for striking warships at sea due to its smaller size and better manoeuvrability.[1]
Both the MAGURA and Sea Baby were inducted into the 385th USV Brigade after its formation as the world's first USV unit in August 2023 although their operatives were still GUR and SBU.[6]
On 14 February 2024, several MAGURA V5 drones were used to attack and sink the large landing ship Tsezar Kunikov near Alupka in Russian-occupied Crimea.[9] The sinking of the ship has been confirmed by Russian sources.[10][11]
MAGURA V5 drone targeting Russian Mil Mi-8 helicopter
On 30 May 2024, the HUR claimed the destruction of two Russian boats of the KC-701 Tuna type with the help of Magura V5 strike marine drones.[14][15][16]
On 10 August 2024, it destroyed a Russian KS 701 Tunets high-speed boat near the settlement of Chornomorske.[17]
On 31 December 2024, the HUR reported that a MAGURA V5 adapted to fire R-73 air-to-air missiles shot down a Russian Mil Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut, in western Crimea and damage another, which dropped flares during the attack and eventually managed to return to base.[18]
It is reported that in addition to the drone itself, equipped with an autopilot system, video subsystems, including night vision, redundant communication modules and a combat unit, it includes a ground-based autonomous control station, a transportation and storage system and a data centre.
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