Russia has showcased its increasing prowess in drone warfare, releasing footage of a First Person View (FPV) drone striking a Ukrainian Magura-like Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) during target practice in the Black Sea. The Russian Ministry of Defense (RuMoD) claims the USV was a “trophy” captured from Ukraine, although some experts believe it may have been a replica used to train FPV drone operators.
This display of FPV drone capabilities, launched from a moving Russian patrol vessel, signals a new phase in drone warfare, where the complexity of targeting fast-moving naval vessels like USVs is tackled with precision. The training exercise also highlights Russia’s strategy to enhance its maritime defenses against Ukraine’s increasingly effective kamikaze USVs.
In the released footage, the Magura-like vessel is seen zig-zagging through the water, mimicking real combat scenarios, as the FPV drone operator skillfully maneuvers the UAV into a collision course, ultimately destroying the target. Though the explosion was minor—likely due to the removal of any explosive payload from the USV—the video underscores Russia’s growing use of drones in maritime warfare.
This training exercise comes on the heels of increasing Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian assets, notably in the Black Sea. The FPV drone attack demonstrates Russia’s efforts to counter these threats, utilizing both aerial drones and advanced naval technologies. With drones now playing a pivotal role in naval operations, the battlefield in the Black Sea is set to grow even more perilous for both sides.
