Ukrainian threat to Russians: A concealed marine drone fleet poised for action
Ukraine has unveiled its hidden marine drone fleet, the Magura V5, housed in a warehouse along the Dnieper River. This article presents their features and the previous accomplishments achieved with such designs.
4:31 PM EST, December 8, 2023
A local correspondent from The Times paid a visit to the secret warehouse housing the drones. Over the past few months, these marine drones have become a source of terror for Russian sailors. They are the brainchild of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), which began developing them shortly after Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022.
The SBU is building these drones in concealed factories sprinkled throughout the country. The completed drones are then stored in warehouses, such as the one shown in the recording below.
Marine drones: a terror for the Russian Black Sea Fleet
Ukrainian marine drones have successfully struck several targets, including the 775 "Oleniegorski Górnik" assault ship, the SIG tanker, and the patrol ships "Wasilij Bykow". Additionally, Ukrainians have used these drones to attack the Crimean Bridge.
It's worth noting that marine drone technology is continuously evolving, as evidenced by the new Magura V5. This drone could be viewed as an evolution of the previously known "Sea Baby" drones. Regardless, the basic concept remains the same: They are drone speedboats, approximately 18 feet long and 5 feet wide, powered by a jet propeller that enables them to reach speeds up to 42 knots.
According to SpetsTechnoExport, the payload is expected to include a 661-pound warhead and a fuel reserve, offering a range slightly above 500 miles. It also boasts an encrypted communication system, satellite navigation, a Starlink terminal, and a reconnaissance mast equipped with a daytime and thermal imaging camera.
The soldier piloting the drone employs AR goggles, similar to those used with FPV-type drones, affording the pilot a first-person perspective. When deployed en masse from multiple directions, these drones could inflict serious damage, or with a fortunate hit, sink a Russian ship.
