Magura V7 Naval Drones Equipped With Latest Missile Version

Ukrainian Magura V7 multi-purpose naval drones shot down Russian Su-30 fighter aircraft using the latest version of the AIM-9 missile.

Kyrylo Budanov, the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, said in an interview with The War Zone.

It was previously believed that the drones had been equipped with AIM-9M missiles — a variant from the late 1980s. However, according to Budanov, Magura V7s have received much more modern weaponry.

AIM-9X is the latest variant in the Sidewinder missile family, officially adopted into service in 2003. Currently, there are two versions in existence — Block 1 and Block 2 — though it remains unspecified which one is being used on the Ukrainian drones.

Key enhancements include the integration of the new MK 139 motor, which extends the missile’s maximum range to 30 kilometers and increases its velocity.

An upgraded Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) capability enables more effective missile deployment via the Link 16 data system.

Additionally, the traditional infrared seeker has been replaced with an advanced infrared imaging sensor, significantly improving target acquisition and tracking accuracy while reducing susceptibility to enemy infrared countermeasures.

In addition, the missile is equipped with a radio frequency receiver, enabling in-flight retargeting through radio correction during long-range engagements.

Magura V7 naval drone

The naval drone developed by Uforce is twice the size of its predecessor, Magura V5, and, thanks to its increased payload capacity, has gained the status of a multi-purpose platform.

The new 7.2-meter fiberglass hull has a total weight of 3,400 kg — two tons heavier than the previous model.

The increase in size has affected its speed characteristics: the cruising speed is 23 knots, with a maximum speed of at least 39 knots. At the same time, its seakeeping capabilities have improved — the drone operates confidently in sea conditions with waves up to 3 points on the Beaufort scale, whereas Magura V5 was limited to 2 points.

One of the key areas of improvement has been autonomy. The drone can operate for at least 48 hours, and up to 7 days when equipped with a generator.

Thanks to the increased fuel tanks of up to 1,200 liters and an efficient 270-horsepower diesel engine, the range has increased from 450 to 800 nautical miles, which is approximately 1,500 kilometers.

Magura V7 is capable of carrying up to 650 kg of payload, enabling it to be equipped simultaneously with a warhead and additional armaments, including a turret-mounted machine gun or a twin launcher for two surface-to-air missiles.