Naval Drones vs. Aviation: How Magura V7s Turned into a Weapon Against Su-30s
6 May 14:21
Ukrainian forces have successfully shot down two Russian Su-30 fighter jets over the Black Sea using Magura V7 maritime drones. The media have published details of the operation and the first photos showing the updated design and combat capabilities of the device.
This was reported by Naval News.
It is noted that the Magura V7 differs significantly from the previous Magura V5 model – it has a wider body and is equipped with large stationary launchers.
“In fact, the V7 is an enlarged version of the basic Magura V5 model, which was used to ram enemy ships with explosives on board. The V7 is about 8 meters long, while the V5 is 5.5 meters long,”
– the publication reports.
The V7 is a much more advanced version compared to the Sea Dragon, which can be seen as an early prototype.
“This model looks neater and more technically sophisticated. At the same time, it is not yet known whether it is armed exclusively with Sidewinder missiles or can use other types of weapons,”
– the article says.
The hull shape of the Magura V7 is similar to the V5, but it has a different bow design, which probably improves its ability to operate at sea, especially in difficult winter conditions.
“Several antennas and sensors are visible on the hull. Apparently, there is no explosive charge in the bow, as there are no impact-type detonators, although this may vary depending on the configuration,”
– the journalists note.
The drone is equipped with two American Sidewinder missiles mounted on launching rails that can probably be raised for launch. Their characteristics are similar to Soviet AA-11 Archer (R-73) missiles.
“Combat use is estimated to be possible at a distance of about 10 km, although in real conditions this distance may be less,”
– the publication clarifies.
The head of the Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate , Kirill Budanov, called the operation a “historic moment” and said that three Magura V7 maritime drones were used to destroy two Russian Su-30s. The aircraft were hit by AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air infrared missiles.
“Creative work” from the GUR
In an exclusive commentary for Kommersant Ukrainian, Roman Svitan, a retired colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and military analyst, revealed the details of a unique operation during which two Russian Su-30 fighters were destroyed over the Black Sea using Magura V7 unmanned maritime drones.
According to the expert, Ukrainian intelligence has demonstrated an innovative approach to combat operations at sea, using Magura V7 drones not only to destroy ships but also to fight aircraft.
“Our reconnaissance men have taken a very creative approach to combat missions. Initially, the Magura V7 was not designed to destroy ships, its task was to destroy surface targets,”
– Svitan explains.
However, the situation changed when Russian naval aviation began to actively hunt for Ukrainian maritime drones. The biggest threat was posed by helicopters, which are much faster than drones – while the Magura V7 has a speed of 70 km/h, helicopters can reach up to 250 km/h.
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Arming drones with missiles: from R-73 to M-9
To protect unmanned boats, Ukrainian engineers decided to arm them with missiles. The first experiment was the installation of old Soviet R-73 missiles with thermal homing heads.
“We had already shot down a couple of helicopters near Crimea with these missiles, and quite successfully. We created a guidance system and gyro stabilization – a complex but implemented project,”
– Svitan emphasized.
After the Russians stopped sending helicopters to intercept, air power came into play – Su-30 aircraft.
For the new phase of defense, the Magura V7 was armed with a different type of missile, the M-9, also with heat-seeking capability. According to the analyst, this is a very old but effective weapon:
“This missile is 60-70 years old. But if it hits the target, it is impressive. And this time we have moved on to hunting for airplanes,”
– Svitan said.
Details of the special operation from the GUR
The Ukrainian forces used a cunning maneuver to lure Russian fighters into a drone attack when there were no ships in the area. And during this trap, two Su-30s were successfully shot down.
“This is a huge achievement. The M-9 is a short-range missile that is hardly used today because modern aviation operates at long distances. But our reconnaissance men showed their class – both technically and tactically,”
– Svitan said.
Financial and military losses of russia
According to the expert, the cost of one downed Su-30 is about $100 million. For comparison, the entire Magura V7 program costs less.
“That is, we can say that these drones have already paid for themselves – and with a profit,”
– says the retired Armed Forces colonel.
He adds, however, that the loss of equipment is more painful for Russia than money, since “their oil economy is still functioning.”
“The Su-30 is a really good machine. It is an advanced fighter based on the Su-27M, multifunctional. The Russians use it for combat operations on the front line, for reconnaissance, and for air strikes,”
– Svitan explains.
According to the speaker, Russia has only about 100 such aircraft. So the loss of two is at least 2% of the entire fleet.
Thus, this operation is an example of how Ukrainian forces successfully combine old Soviet technologies with new tactical approaches. Magura V7s, armed with missiles, bring warfare at sea to a new level.
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