Seven months ago, enterprising Ukrainian engineers in the mix made a mixture of R-73 air sensors and infrared-guided missiles borrowed from the Ukrainian Air Force and set up the resulting formula on some of the Magura V5 attack ships of the Directorate of Ukrainian Intelligence Directorate.
In recent days, one of the 18-foot Magura V5 fought with a Russian MIL MI-8 helicopter armed with cannons and shot down the Mi-8. It is the first aerial destruction via an unmanned surface vehicle and the harbinger of a new era in naval warfare. “Historical history,” sang the intelligence leadership, posting photographs of the engagement.
Drone boats for Ukrainian use, the young children of Magura V5 and Sea, have wreaked havoc on Russia’s battered Black Sea fleet this year. In separate raids on Crimean anchorages in February, May and June, explosives-laden USVS sank a Corvette, a touchdown boat, a patrol boat and a tugboat.
After those sunk, the Black Sea fleet is reduced to less than two-thirds of its pre-war strength.
Determined to defend what is left of the fleet, the Russian military attacks defenses around naval bases in Crimea and in southern Russia. The accesses to those bases are now patrolled through helicopters and rapacious patrols, among other active people.
To give the child sailors satellite guidance and the Magura V5 the ability to fight those defenses, the Ukrainians launched their USV in the spring. Some have been remotely boring for heavy weapons. Others have earned the R-73 treatment.
The latter deployed for the first time in May, and elicited a surprised reaction from befuddled Russian aircrew. “The Ukrainians were able to somehow connect the [R-73] rocket with the USV’s telecontrol systems,” the Fighterbomber Telegram channel mused.
Gun-armed Sea Babies operated by the Ukrainian federal security service motored into action for the first time in early December—and even took a few potshots at the Mi-8s that rose to meet them, possibly damaging at least one of the helicopters. There were dead and injured crew board the helicopter, the security service reported.
But the helicopter itself survived the engagement. It will be 3 weeks before a Magura V shoots down its first aerial target. “This is an unprecedented occasion with significant implications for Russia’s operations in the Black Sea,” said analyst Joni Askola.
It is also imaginable that Ukrainians could carry the same sensors and missiles onto robots on the floor. “If Ukraine can replicate this achievement at a low payload employing unmanned floor vehicles,” Akola said, “this can enhance Ukraine’s short-range air defense capabilities. “
Sources:
1. Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine
2. Hunter-bomber
3. Security Service of Ukraine
4. Joni Askola
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