Another perspective of footage posted earlier today by our very own Cole “Mr. Clean” Simms. This version, released by the Russian state-owned “news” agency, TASS, shows a Russian Ka-29 helicopter destroying a missile-equipped naval drone. The Ukrainian Magura V5 Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) can be equipped to perform a variety of missions and has an impressive record thus far in this conflict, sinking several large surface combatants. According to reports from TASS, this particular drone managed to launch a missile at an Mi-8 Hip helicopter, though the missile malfunctioned. Large naval powers would do well to examine systems like this and to develop countermeasures, for naval drones have proved a significant component of Ukraine’s strategy to neutralize Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing is preparing for the 2024 season of sailing on Galveston Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.