Ukrainian Intelligence Makes First Public Reveal of Magura-7 Drone Boat Used to Down Russian Jets
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) publicly revealed its Magura-7 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) Thursday, showcasing new footage and technical specifications during a ceremony that also unveiled a commemorative stamp honoring the country’s naval drone campaign.
The event marked the first official presentation of the Magura drone series, including the Magura V5, V6P, and the newly unveiled V7. GUR Commander Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov and members of Ukraine’s special services introduced the models and confirmed the V7’s combat role in a recent operation that reportedly resulted in the downing of two Russian Su-30 Flanker fighter jets over the Black Sea using mounted air-to-air missiles.
Footage released by GUR showed a Magura-7 fitted with two live AIM-9M Sidewinder infrared-guided missiles mounted on fixed, aircraft-style launch rails. The drone’s configuration has been deemed capable of surface-to-air interception.
According to Budanov, this was the same loadout used to target and destroy the two Su-30s—marking the first publicly reported instance of a drone boat downing fixed-wing combat aircraft in active conflict. As The War Zone first reported, the missiles rely on infrared homing for targeting, with the drone maneuvering to aim instead of using a traversable launcher.
The Magura V7 is reportedly designed for extended endurance, increased payload capacity, and multi-role operations. Measuring about 23.6 feet long and powered by a 270-horsepower diesel engine, it can reach speeds up to 39 knots and operate for 48 hours, or up to seven days with an auxiliary generator. It carries up to 1,430 pounds of weapons and has an operating range of approximately 540 nautical miles. The vessel is reportedly capable of handling sea states with wave heights up to four feet.
It is also equipped with a gyro-stabilized day and night surveillance turret, multiple video feeds, and an acoustic environment monitoring system. A variant featuring a machine gun combat module was also displayed.
GUR emphasized that Ukraine’s USVs are now deployed as a coordinated system involving various specialized roles, including kamikaze drones, interceptors with air-to-air missiles, and defensive gunboats.
Though not highlighted at the event, SOFX has previously reported on operations that have shown USVs being used as mobile launch platforms for unmanned aerial vehicles as well.
A GUR representative, identified only by the callsign “Thirteenth,” reflected on the campaign’s progress. “We can confidently say that the GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Group 13, have pushed the Russian Black Sea Fleet to their bases.”
Since the campaign began, GUR claims to have destroyed or disabled at least 17 Russian targets, including the Ivanovets missile corvette, Caesar Kunikov landing ship, two Su-30 fighters, and two Mi-8 helicopters.
In December, we reported that Ukraine claimed it downed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut using a Magura V5 USV equipped with an R-73 air-to-air missile. Footage shared by the Defence Intelligence Directorate showed the helicopter deploying flares before being hit and crashing into the sea.
The Magura V5, previously the backbone of Ukraine’s drone boat fleet, is smaller than the V7 at 18 feet. It supports swarming tactics, automated target tracking, thermal imaging, and can reportedly operate autonomously for up to 48 hours.
The Magura V6P, a non-combat variant, supports reconnaissance, cargo delivery, and mine-clearing missions.
Ukraine’s use of drone boats has drawn global attention. At SOF Week in Tampa, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Michael Linn referenced the Magura-7’s strike on a Su-30, calling it “another major milestone.”
Other countries are beginning to follow suit. The French Navy recently tested an explosive drone boat off Toulon as part of its Seaquest S program. The drone struck a decommissioned transport vessel, demonstrating France’s desire to deploy naval munitions remotely in live maritime environments.
As nations assess the future of naval warfare, Ukraine’s Group 13 and the Magura drone fleet are shaping a new model of agile, unmanned force projection that may define modern sea power for years to come.
