Ukrainian Magura V7 Maritime Drones Are Equipped With The Newest Version Of The Missile

Budanov revealed the details.

Ukrainian Magura V7 multipurpose maritime drones have for the first time used the latest AIM-9X missiles to defeat Russian Su-30 fighters. Earlier it was assumed that the drones used missiles of the older AIM-9M modification, developed in the late 1980s.

The head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) Kirill Budanov told this in an interview with The War Zone.

According to the head of the GUR, the Magura V7s are currently equipped with more advanced weapons. It should be noted that the AIM-9X missile is the latest modification of the American Sidewinder series. It was adopted for service in 2003 and is represented by two main versions: Block 1 and Block 2. However, Budanov did not specify which modification is used by Ukrainian forces.

According to analysts, the AIM-9Ms were previously mounted on Magura V7s on aircraft-type launch rails, which are raised before launch but do not provide lateral deflection. This is important because the AIM-9M does not have high angles of deviation from the aiming axis (HOBS), unlike, for example, the Russian R-73.

Clear skies over the Black Sea: how the Ukrainian Magura maritime drone was taught to shoot down aircraft

Missiles with HOBS have articulated homing heads, which allows them to capture the target even at a significant deviation from the longitudinal axis of the carrier. Given that the Magura V7 launcher is fixed, the drone had to orient itself fairly accurately toward the target, both azimuthally and vertically, before launch. This was particularly difficult given the instability of the sea surface, on which the boat is prone to rocking. Engaging a target in such conditions required a high level of accuracy and a certain amount of luck.

Key Features of the AIM-9X

The key improvements to the AIM-9X include the new MK-139 engine, which provides a maximum range of 30 kilometers and increased missile speed.

A significant innovation is also the improved post-launch target acquisition system (LOAL), which allows the missile to be used with the support of the Link 16 tactical digital network.

The missile features an infrared camera instead of the standard infrared homing head, providing more accurate target acquisition and improved resistance to thermal interference. Additionally, the missile is equipped with a radio receiver that provides radio course correction at long distances.

According to Budanov, the installation of new missiles on marine drones was not an isolated initiative. In the near future, Ukraine plans to deploy a whole range of Magura V7 modifications equipped not only with air defense capabilities, but also with electronic warfare, reconnaissance sensors and active defense capabilities. Some versions already include machine guns for defense of the missile system.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com