Naval drones to dominate ordinary ships - Ukrainian intelligence chief

Photo: Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

The Magura V5 sea drones will soon dominate over conventional ships. UAVs are already being upgraded, states the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.

According to him, robotic maritime platforms are currently being enhanced. This includes installing systems for targeting small surface and aerial targets, as well as striking coastlines.

"Systems are being upgraded. Technologies are being mastered. New capabilities are emerging. So, over time, we will likely see unmanned maritime vessels fully dominating over conventional combat ships. At least in closed or semi-closed waters like the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and others. This is definitely the path of development," he said.

Budanov added that Magura V5 drones are yielding tangible results.

"A third of the destroyed combat potential of the Russian Black Sea Fleet is a significantly decent indicator," noted the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate.

Ukraine's operations involving Magura V5

Operators from the Special Operations Forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, known as Group 13, using strike maritime drones Magura V5, destroyed the reconnaissance ship Ivan Khurs, landing ships Akula and Serna, missile ship Ivanovets, large landing ship Tsezar Kunikov, and Russian Black Sea Fleet patrol ship Sergey Kotov.

As reported, Ukrainian maritime drones Magura V5 inflicted $500 million in damage to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Experts continue to enhance these unmanned systems.