By Robbie McGuire Overt Defense
The Ukrainian GUR (Defence Intelligence of Ukraine) reported today (December 31) that members of a special forces unit only known as ‘Group 13’ have for the first time in history destroyed an air target using a Magura V5 naval strike drone equipped with R-73 ‘SeeDragon’ Missiles. ‘Group 13’ has gained a reputation during the ongoing war in Ukraine for hunting Russian warships, including the ‘Serhii Kotov’ Patrol ship and the ‘Admiral Makarov’ Frigate.
The historic engagement took place in the Black Sea near Cape Tarkhanu in the currently Russian occupied Crimea. 1 Mi-8 helicopter was destroyed, with another helicopter being hit. However, the GUR claim it was able to fly back to a Russian airfield. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine’s YouTube channel uploaded footage of the engagement:
The Magura V5 (Maritime Autonomous Guard Unmanned Robotic Apparatus V-Type) was first developed for use by the HUR (Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine). It was developed from late 2022 onwards and first saw operational use in November 2023 when it was used to attack Russian Serna class landing craft which were docked at the Russian Naval base in Chornomorske, in western Crimea. Each V5 Drone reportedly costs $273,000 to produce and have an operational range of up to 400km. It’s name is taken from Magura, the goddess of war and victory from slavic neopagan mythology.
The Magura’s pay load can vary, but the air defence variant currently consists of at least 1 R-73 surface to air missile, which is of Soviet era design. The missile has already seen combat use in Ukraine, in May 2024 Russian related footage showed one being fired from a Ukrainian ‘Sea Baby’ drone at a Mi-8 helicopter however, on that occasion the missile failed to meet its target and the drone was knocked out by the Mi-8.
The GUR subsequently released a radio intercept they claim is from the helicopter’s pilot. In the mayday call he states ‘there was a launch from the water’.
‘Group 13’ have now marked the first time in history that an air target has been destroyed by Magura drone. Engagements like this and the rapid deployment and development of drone based warfare has become one of the key tactics and battlefield innovations to be born out of the war in Ukraine since it began in 2022.
Find the original article on Overt Defense.
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Lucky #13 ? Its a number used AL threw History. Bad Luck, Good Luck. My thoughts: Proof is in the Pudding . Vegas can give along extensive review on the what the ODDS are winning or LOOSING big time Betting on #13. Being said ? the Costs ? the time using #13 And the ( BILLIONS ) of US money being spent on this spinning Roulette Wheel of WAR ! Total loss so far. Why not give Lady Luck a one Time Toss of the DICE. Let the chips or ships or weapons or MONEY ride where they are. They are so dumb ? they have been playing the GAME of CRAPS or was that the real DEAL ?? Just like the Great and Power full WIZZ of OZ, only real power was a large Bag of HOT AIR. Or in our bet, One of the LARGEST BAGS OF LOST MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!