Ukrainian-Made MAGURA V5 Drones Decimated Russian Missile Corvette in Feb 1 Black Sea Operation

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, through its special forces unit, destroyed Russia's Ivanovets missile corvette in the Black Sea on February 1, using advanced MAGURA V5 naval drones.

The operation, executed by the Group 13 special drone unit of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), was revealed by Kyrylo Budanov, the head of GUR, in a statement to The War Zone outlet.

Budanov reported that the Ukrainian-made Maritime Autonomous Guard Unmanned Robotic Apparatus (MAGURA) V5 USVs inflicted six direct hits on the hull of the Russian vessel, resulting in its sinking. A 128-second video released by the GUR showcased the MAGURA V5 drones approaching the Ivanovets amidst gunfire, leading to a significant explosion and the corvette's sinking.

The MAGURA V5 is capable of surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-mine operations, search and rescue, and combat missions. These drones can carry an explosive payload of up to 300 kg at a distance of up to 800 kilometers.

The targeted Russian corvette was patrolling the Black Sea near Lake Donuzlav in occupied Crimea during the operation, according to the GUR statement. =

Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Military Intelligence Directorate, emphasized the effectiveness of Ukrainian naval drones in recent months. While the specific type of drone used in the Ivanovets operation was not disclosed by him last week, he highlighted the deployment of Sea Baby Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) in various operations, including the destruction of part of the Crimean Bridge in July 2023.