Ukraine's use of drones as a strategic weapon against Russia is gaining attention after a rare interview with a secretive Ukrainian unit. The interview revealed that six sea drones, powered by jet skis, were able to sink a Russian guided missile ship, the Ivanovets, on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula. The drones, known as 'MAGURA,' have a range of approximately 800 kilometers and can be launched from various locations along Ukraine's coastline.
According to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, the attack on the Ivanovets marked another embarrassing loss for Russia's Black Sea fleet. While the claim has not been independently verified, videos released by Ukraine's defense intelligence agency show what appears to be the sinking of the Russian warship.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has increasingly relied on drones to level the playing field with Russia. Strategic targets in Russia, including oil and gas infrastructure, have been hit by drone attacks. Ukraine's defense intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that these attacks have disrupted Russia's operations and highlighted the realities of war.
The superior effectiveness of drones has prompted Ukraine's top general, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, to call for their widespread use on the battlefield. Zaluzhnyi believes that drones, along with other advanced weaponry, can save Ukrainian lives and help negate Russia's material advantage in arms and ammunition. He emphasized the need to abandon outdated thinking and redesign battlefield operations.
Since Russia's takeover of Crimea in 2014 and the 2022 invasion, Ukraine no longer maintains a functioning navy in the Black Sea. Despite this setback, the sinking of the Ivanovets represents another victory in Ukraine's campaign against Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The impact of the drones has been notable, but it requires delicate execution. The pilot who participated in the interview likened controlling the drones to jeweler's work, emphasizing the need for a precise touch.
The drones, controlled remotely via Starlink connection, can also be pre-programmed for long journeys across the Black Sea. The six-meter long drones are difficult to spot, especially in the open sea, making it challenging for the enemy to target them. The weaponry on Russia's warships was not designed to counter drones, giving the drones the upper hand in engagements.
In videos of the attack, the drones can be seen evading rounds fired by the Russian warship's cannons, which proved ineffective against the incoming bombs. The agility of the drones makes them more maneuverable than any warship, further enhancing their effectiveness.
Ukraine's success in using drones as a strategic weapon demonstrates the country's determination to counter Russian aggression. As their reliance on drones grows, Ukraine seeks to disrupt Russia's operations and protect its own forces. The military's conviction in the power of drones has sparked a new approach to warfare and may have far-reaching implications for future conflicts.
