In a landmark event that marks a turning point in naval warfare, Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) publicly revealed its complete arsenal of combat-tested sea drones on May 14. The unprecedented presentation in Kyiv showcased how unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) have reshaped the military balance in the Black Sea amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Led by Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the GUR, the event was the first public exhibition of the full range of Ukraine’s maritime drones. These cutting-edge weapons, developed and deployed by the GUR’s elite Group 13 special unit, have inflicted devastating losses on the Russian Black Sea Fleet and redefined what naval power looks like in the 21st century.
“We are not just defending our coasts,” said Budanov. “We are forcing Russia to reconsider its entire presence in the Black Sea.”
The centerpiece of the exhibition was the Magura drone family—stealthy, high-speed, remotely operated vessels engineered for reconnaissance, assault, and multi-role missions. Each drone variant has already been proven in combat, with multiple successful operations behind enemy lines.
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Magura V5: Known worldwide for its role in disabling and destroying multiple Russian naval assets, including the Ivanovets and Caesar Kunikov. This model is designed for direct strikes and carries a large explosive payload.
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Magura V6P: A versatile, multipurpose variant, the V6P can adapt to a wide range of missions, from surveillance to support roles, and can carry both kinetic and non-kinetic payloads.
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Magura V7: The latest in the series, the V7 made history by becoming the first sea drone to destroy a combat aircraft. A separate model displayed at the event featured a mounted machine gun system—an innovation in sea drone weaponization.
“This is the future of asymmetric naval warfare,” said a senior defense analyst present at the exhibition. “Low-cost, high-precision, remote systems that outmaneuver traditional fleets.”
While the drones themselves attracted most of the attention, the elite unit operating them—Group 13—has become legendary within Ukraine’s military community. Composed of top-tier naval and special operations personnel, the unit has conducted some of the most audacious operations of the war.
The commander of Group 13, known only by the call sign “Thirteenth,” addressed reporters at the event. His words underscored the impact of the drones on the strategic calculus in the region.
“By the end of 2024, the Black Sea was no longer a safe space for Russian forces,” said Thirteenth. “On December 31, we struck three Russian helicopters—two destroyed, one damaged—and took down two aircraft in one night. This is the new standard of effectiveness.”
Since their deployment, Magura drones have struck 17 Russian maritime and airborne targets, completely destroying 15. Among these are high-value assets such as:
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The Sergey Kotov, a large patrol vessel.
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The Ivanovets and Caesar Kunikov, two Russian landing ships.
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Multiple Mi-8 transport helicopters.
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At least one Su-30 fighter jet.
Ukraine’s military intelligence estimates the total financial damage inflicted by these drones exceeds $500 million—a significant blow to the Kremlin’s naval capabilities.
Russian ships have since retreated to port and now operate under strict defensive conditions. Surveillance and strike missions in contested waters have dropped sharply, according to both Ukrainian and NATO observers.
The success of Ukraine’s sea drone program highlights a dramatic evolution in modern warfare: how an underdog can leverage innovation and adaptability to counter superior conventional forces. The drones, some costing less than a single anti-ship missile, offer a high return on investment.
Unlike traditional naval assets, these drones are expendable and difficult to detect. Their small profile and radar-absorbing design allow them to slip past enemy defenses, particularly during nighttime or poor weather conditions. Moreover, their operations are not limited by human constraints—no pilots are at risk.
“This isn’t just a tool of war,” said military analyst Olena Markovych. “It’s a blueprint for the next generation of naval strategy—smart, precise, and deeply disruptive.”
Ukraine’s drone program is now being studied by militaries across the globe. From NATO member states to countries in the Indo-Pacific concerned about maritime threats, the lessons from Ukraine’s use of USVs are already shaping procurement and development programs worldwide.
“The Russians expected a traditional naval fight,” said one Western defense official. “What they got was a tech-savvy, agile opponent that turned their own sea into a danger zone.”
Ukraine’s defense ministry has hinted at ongoing development of longer-range, more autonomous versions of the Magura series. These next-gen drones could potentially operate beyond the Black Sea, expanding Ukraine’s ability to deter or strike adversaries further afield.
More than just weapons, the sea drones have become symbols of Ukraine’s defiance and ingenuity in the face of a larger invader. From homemade modifications to world-class battlefield results, the evolution of the Magura fleet mirrors Ukraine’s broader transformation since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
“It’s not about size or budget,” said Thirteenth. “It’s about will, precision, and the courage to try something new. That’s what we’ve done with these drones.”
As the war drags into its third year, the unveiling of Ukraine’s sea drone capabilities sends a message: Ukraine is not just defending its territory—it is innovating its way toward victory.
While Russia scrambles to adapt, Ukraine’s military continues to pioneer methods that challenge traditional doctrines. And with support from Western partners and internal engineering talent, the Magura series is likely only the beginning.
“This is the first time these drones have been shown in public,” said General Budanov. “It won’t be the last time you hear about them.”
