Magura naval drones undergo important upgrade to improve effectiveness
One of the new modifications the Magura unmanned naval platform has already acquired is air-to-air missiles with the R-73 infrared homing system on board.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported this on Facebook with reference to the commander of the Group 13 special operations unit, reports Ukrinform.
According to reports, Magura maritime attack drones equipped with R-73 have already been employed in combat operations in the Black Sea, which has become a serious factor of fear and risk for Russian aviation.
According to the commander, such projects have proven “very effective”.
"The Russians are really afraid of them. When they see them, they are anxsious to even fly anywhere close. Also, it’s unique as no one else has such a thing in service. [...] This weaponry has already been installed, and it will yield results," the commander noted.
As reported earlier, it was a Magura drone that hit Russian Navy’s Ivan Khurs reconnaissance vessel.
"This is an adrenaline boost. Palms get sweaty. At the same time, the drone must be controlled quite delicately, I’d say, gently. Movements mustn’t be sharp or uncontrolled. Everything must be smooth," the officer explained.
As noted by defense intelligence, the Magura naval attack drones have already proven their effectiveness, depriving Russia of dominance in the Black Sea waters and thereby reducing threats to Ukraine.
A spokesman for Ukraine’s military intelligence, Andriy Yusov, previously noted that naval drones, primarily the Magura V5, serve as an asymmetric response to attempts by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet to create, with air support, additional threats for Ukraine and its Defense Forces, including naval landing operations.
According to the official, the enemy "still can’t figure out" the response.
Also, the intelligence agency recalled a major fundraiser "Maguras for the GUR", with a target of UAH 10 million to purchase the appropriate type of naval attack drones for Ukrainian intelligence officers.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, the GUR is working to designate military targets for the Magura drones that are located inside Russia within a 800km range.