Ukraine's sea drones increase threat to fortified Kerch Bridge

The Russians are afraid of an attack by Ukrainian sea drones on the Kerch Bridge. The military has started building fortifications to protect the structure from attacks. We describe the capabilities of the Magura V5 and Sea Baby drones used by Ukraine.

The Kerch Bridge is crucial for Russia because it provides a direct road and rail connection to annexed Crimea, facilitating easier transport of people and goods. It symbolizes Russia's political control over Crimea and demonstrates the country's engineering and logistical capabilities. In addition, the bridge strengthens Crimea's strategic importance in a military and geopolitical context, making transferring military equipment to the peninsula easier.

Photos of a floating crane on the waters of the Kerch Strait have appeared on the Krym.Reality channel on Telegram.

Brady Africk, an analyst in the Department of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, reported that Russian authorities continue increasing the number of barges near the Kerch Bridge.

According to satellite photos, the Russians have set up a second line of barriers near the Kerch Bridge. In addition, it appears that work is underway on platforms near the bridge's foundations.

Ukrainian sea drones have become one of the most important tools of war used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the fight against the Russian invasion. In recent months, their effectiveness has significantly increased, leading to numerous losses on the adversary's side. The most popular units include the Magura V5 and Sea Baby.

Magura V5 is the latest model of an unmanned surface vessel that has joined the rapidly growing fleet of Ukrainian drones. The drone was first showcased to the world at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2023).

During the first presentation, Ukrainian developers emphasized that the Magura V5 is not just another unmanned surface vessel. It is a multifunctional drone with the potential to significantly change the battlefield. It was designed to perform various operations, such as observation, surveillance, and even combat missions. Its key features, such as high maneuverability and the ability to be remotely operated, make it an extremely versatile tool.

The Magura V5 unmanned surface vessel was created by the Ukrainian company SpetsTechnoExport, specializing in advanced defense technologies. According to available information, it is 18 feet long and 5 feet wide. It can move at a maximum speed of 48 mph, while its declared cruising speed is 25 mph.

This unmanned surface vessel's operational range is estimated at about 518 miles, making it ideal for long-distance missions. Moreover, the Magura V5 can carry a payload of up to 705 lbs, increasing its utility and versatility on the battlefield.

The Sea Baby drone is one of the freshest innovations in drones. Its ability to carry explosive loads of up to 1,874 lbs represents a significant advancement compared to older models, which could carry only 440 to 882 lbs of warheads.

In terms of appearance, the Sea Baby resembles a motorboat but has some unique features. Its surface is coated with special camouflage paint consisting of two colors. These colors have been carefully selected to create the illusion that the drone is smaller and harder for potential adversaries to detect. This camouflage is particularly effective at night when it becomes even more difficult to detect.

Furthermore, the Sea Baby drones are equipped with antennas necessary for communication. This unmanned surface vehicle is controlled using AR goggles, the same technology used to control FPV drones. This control method allows for precise drone maneuvering, essential for mission execution.