The MAGURA V5 is a Ukrainian low-profile unmanned surface vessel associated with SpetsTechnoExport and Defence Intelligence maritime operations. Publicly disclosed in 2023, it pairs reconnaissance and explosive-strike roles with a later missile-armed air-defense adaptation documented against Russian helicopters over the Black Sea.
Operated by Ukraine's Defence Intelligence and Group 13 as a low-profile unmanned surface vessel in Black Sea attacks on Russian ships and small craft, including documented 2024 strikes against Ivanovets, Sergey Kotov, and KS-701 Tunets boats; DIU later said upgraded MAGURA boats with R-73 missiles downed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters and damaged a Ka-26 in December 2024.
Role detailsOpen reporting shows MAGURA V5 moving from low-profile Black Sea strike craft into a missile-armed adaptation while later MAGURA models split into separate family roles.
| Configuration | Source-backed detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline V5 USV | Naval News and United24 list a 5.5 m unmanned surface vessel with long-range control, low profile, and strike or patrol roles. | Defines the V5 as a compact remotely operated maritime platform rather than only an explosive boat. |
| Explosive strike craft | DIU credits MAGURA V5 with attacks on Russian Black Sea Fleet vessels including Ivanovets, Sergey Kotov, and smaller craft near Crimea. | Anchors the conflict row in direct Russia-Ukraine War use by Ukraine's Group 13 and Defence Intelligence. |
| R-73 SeeDragon adaptation | DIU reported R-73 SeeDragon missile use from an upgraded MAGURA V5 against Russian Mi-8 helicopters near Cape Tarkhankut. | Shows a documented air-defense role separate from the original surface-strike mission. |
| Later MAGURA family | DIU's 2025 presentation separated V5 from V6P and V7, with V7 treated as the larger AIM-9-capable model. | Keeps V5 conflict history distinct from later V7 fighter-engagement claims. |
Public MAGURA sources now separate the V5 from later MAGURA family models. The V5 record covers the earlier DIU-associated strike USV and its R-73 armed adaptation, while the linked V7 record covers the larger AIM-9 capable model disclosed in 2025.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
 | Larger missile-armed MAGURA family member | DIU's 2025 presentation and Defense Express reporting describe V7 as a larger MAGURA model with AIM-9 air-defense armament and different dimensions from V5. Sources: Era of Magura Presentation, Ukrainian Intelligence Unveils MAGURA V7 Sea Drone |
| MAGURA V6P | Multifunctional naval drone platform | DIU presented V6P alongside V5 and V7 as a multifunctional naval drone platform; no separate catalog record exists for V6P. Sources: Era of Magura Presentation |
DIU publicly linked the V5 air-defense adaptation to R-73 SeeDragon missiles after the December 2024 helicopter engagement.
| Launched item | Item type | Launch evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Short-range air-to-air missile | DIU said the upgraded MAGURA V5 used R-73 SeeDragon missiles near Cape Tarkhankut and later said upgraded Maguras had downed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters in December 2024. Sources: Historic Strike with a MAGURA V5 Naval Drone, Our capabilities have caught the russians off guard, the head of the DIU UAV Systems Department |
DIU said the MAGURA boat was first presented at IDEF in Istanbul during the 25-28 July 2023 exhibition window.
Sources: Naval Drones of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Dominate the Black Sea
DIU said six MAGURA V5 drones attacked the Russian missile boat Ivanovets, which then sank in the Black Sea.
Sources: Naval Drones of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Dominate the Black Sea
Group 13 said a MAGURA V5 strike damaged and sank the Russian patrol ship Sergey Kotov near the Kerch Strait.
Sources: 'sergei kotov' Enemy Warship Destroyed
DIU said a MAGURA V5 mission destroyed a Russian KS-701 Tunets speed boat in the Black Sea near occupied Crimea.
Sources: In Crimea, as a Result of DIU Mission, Enemy Speed Boat Destroyed
DIU reported that an upgraded MAGURA V5 armed with R-73 SeeDragon missiles shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut.
Sources: Historic Strike with a MAGURA V5 Naval Drone, Our capabilities have caught the russians off guard, the head of the DIU UAV Systems Department
DIU presented V5 alongside V6P and V7, separating the earlier V5 strike boat from later multifunctional and larger missile-armed MAGURA models.
Sources: Era of Magura Presentation, Ukrainian Intelligence Unveils MAGURA V7 Sea Drone
