Ukrainian Magura V5 drone devastates Russia's Black Sea Fleet
Over the last five weeks, the Russian Black Sea Fleet has suffered losses of three ships, significantly hampering its mobility in the Black Sea, as stated by British intelligence.
10:12 PM EST, March 7, 2024
The Magura V5 naval drones were responsible for damaging the Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov, belonging to project 22160, on its stern, right, and left sides, a fact officially confirmed by the Ukrainian intelligence agency via Telegram.
Commissioned to the Black Sea Fleet in July 2022, Sergei Kotov had previously been targeted by naval drone attacks in July and September 2023, enduring only minor damages on those occasions and swiftly returning to service. Valued at $65 million (approximately PLN 258 million), the attack on the patrol ship marks yet another significant blow to the Kremlin. According to experts, the drone Magura V5 has emerged as a Ukrainian superweapon that severely impacts the Russian fleet, having sunk fifteen vessels since the onset of the war with Ukraine.
Drone attacks Magura V5 represent an "Evolution"
Dr. Michał Piekarski, a national security specialist at the University of Wrocław, emphasizes to Virtual Poland that the Ukrainian strategy against the Black Sea Fleet signals an evolution in naval warfare. He compares it with historical attacks during World War II, where methods involved manned operations that were perilous and uncertain in outcome.
Piekarski highlights the high risks traditionally associated with such missions, noting the considerable dangers and potential for heavy losses involved. In contrast, the use of the Magura V5 drone, which is designed for one-way missions and destruction upon impact, represents a safer, unmanned alternative that can be remotely operated over long distances, such as the 186 miles from the Odessa region.
The reliability and sophistication of remote-control devices have advanced significantly, with current drones employing satellite guidance and transmitting real-time visuals, greatly supported by NATO reconnaissance efforts.
"The Russians are humiliated"
Questioning the Russian response to this new form of threat, Dr. Piekarski criticizes the apparent incompetence in Russian defensive strategies and their reliance on outdated and ineffective countermeasures. He points out the logistical challenges Russia faces in deploying adequate aerial patrols and the broader issue of decision-making inefficiencies within the Russian military command.
Piekarski suggests that a stubborn refusal to acknowledge and adapt to new threats has left Russian forces vulnerable, implying that the introduction of effective countermeasures could reduce the impact of Ukrainian drone attacks. However, the current state of disarray and inability to learn from past mistakes keep Russian forces at a significant disadvantage, as articulated by Dr. Piekarski to Virtual Poland.
