Recently, the Russian Defense Ministry released a captivating video on social media showcasing the destruction of a Ukrainian Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) equipped with an R-73 anti-aircraft missile. In the video, the Russian army, operating from a Ka-29 helicopter, successfully targets the sea drone with precision, leading to a powerful explosion.
This striking footage, likely recorded from a ship or the shore, reveals a distinct structure on the Ukrainian maritime drone resembling the Soviet R-73 air-to-air missile, as reported by the Militarny defense issues website.
Known for its versatility, the R-73 missile can be launched from various platforms, including ground-based installations. Equipped with its own thermal homing head with a wide field of view, the missile does not rely on external guidance systems for targeting. This unique feature makes it a formidable weapon in aerial combat scenarios.
It appears that modifications have been made to the launcher for stability at sea, possibly enabling better defense or enhanced attack capabilities for the USV. However, integrating anti-aircraft missiles on a marine drone presents technical challenges due to the harsh marine environment, where traditional naval missiles are typically containerized.
While efforts to arm sea drones with advanced weaponry raise questions about their strategic use, Ukrainian military intelligence has remained tight-lipped about this development.
Other Topics of Interest
Rheinmetall Boss Says Ukraine Could Get Artillery Rounds with 100km Range if Berlin Books Orders
Armin Papperger, CEO of Germany’s Rheinmetall, said his company could deliver extended-range artillery munitions but only if Berlin guarantees large, multi-year orders to justify the investment.
On a related note, Ukrainian Military Intelligence recently achieved a significant feat by targeting a Russian speedboat with a Magura V5 maritime strike drone near occupied Crimea. This operation resulted in the destruction of the valuable Project 12150 “Mangust” vessel, valued at approximately $3 million.
Introducing MAGURA V5:
The MAGURA V5 unmanned surface vessel, developed in Ukraine, boasts a range of capabilities, including surveillance, reconnaissance, patrolling, and combat missions. With its hydrodynamic hull and impressive maneuverability, the V5 exhibits quasi-stealth characteristics, making it a versatile asset on the water.
Measuring 5.5 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, the V5 can reach cruising speeds of 40.7 kilometers per hour and a maximum speed of 77.8 kilometers per hour, with a range of about 833 kilometers.
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