I have split Ukrainian and Russian USV types into seperate guides.
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Overview Of Ukrainian Maritime Drones (USVs) Of The Russo-Ukrainian War
Following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine swiftly developed a potent uncrewed naval force. Utilizing explosive-equipped uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), Ukraine has successfully inflicted significant damage on the Russian Navy. These pose such a formidable threat that the Russian fleet into a state of inactivity at port. This grants Ukraine a level of sea denial that was scarcely conceivable just a few years ago.
The cornerstone of this achievement, in my opinion, lies primarily in the implementation of uncrewed platforms. This has allowed operations which would not have been viable with crewed vessels. Uncrewed vessels can be smaller, and expendable.
Ukraine's uncrewed vessel revolution has in turn only been possible because of real-time two-way satellite communications. There have been uncrewed platforms before, but high bandwidth communications allows human-in-the-loop control. This enables faster deployment and rapid adaption to evolving targets and missions. Starlink serves as the primary provider of satellite communications, although Kymeta is also utilized. Automation will improve, likely making this human-in-loop command less necessary, but that is some way off.
All current designs are characterized as being relatively small, much smaller than if humans had to be carried. This has many advantages. There are, for sure, more types under development. This visualization only includes publicly revealed types.
Magura V1
The original Ukrainian USV with development starting in May 2022. Four engineers were given the task of "do something with enemy fleet". Their ansdwer was the weaponised USV, used as a form of surface-running torpedo. This was essentially a new concept in naval warfare, although Iran (and Houthi Movement) had developed similar craft.The first design, now known as the Magura V1, was a six-meter fishing boat hull cut down to reduce the profile. Trials were promising enough to lead to the Magura V2 (below).
Magura V2
Following the testing of the Magura V1, an improved design was built. This featured an jet-ski drive with internal motor. Length was slightly reduced to around 5 meters (and no outboard behind), but profile slightly enlarged. This can be seen as an interim stem leading to the production-ready Magura V3 (below).
Magura V3
The first of Ukraine’s USVs to be revealed, the 'Magura V3' were used in September 2023 and the dramatic raid on Sevastopol on October 29 2022. These USVs were used, together with UAVs, to attack the Russian Navy in port. Two warships, the frigate Admiral Makarov and the minesweeper Ivan Golubets were damaged.
Magura V3 specifications
Length: 5.5 meters
Full weight: up to 1,000 kg
Range: up to 430 nautical miles (800 km)
Autonomy: up to 60 hours
Combat load: up to 200 kg
Max speed: 43 knots (80 km/h)
Navigation methods: automatic GNSS, inertial, visual
Video transmission: up to 3 HD video streams
Crypto protection: 256-bit encryption
The Magura V3 was a slightly larger design, but otherwise similar to the V2. It was a production ready version able to be built in some numbers in secret workshops in Ukraine. The main external differentiator is that it has three, rather than two, breakwaters on the forward bow. Below these, buried in the hull, was an approximately 150kg (300lb) warhead.
Magura V4
An experimental type with larger hull than Magura V3 and outboard motor. Limited information available.
Magura V5
The Magura V5 is the main type known to be in service with the GUR (Ukrainian Defence Intelligence). Images were made public until May 24 2023 when some attacked the Russian Navy intelligence ship Ivan Khurs. This was significant because it occurred far south of Crimea, showing the USV's impressive range. The attack was unsuccessful, as was another on intelligence ship, Priazovye, on June 11. The circumstances of these attacks are unclear and it appears that some of the USVs may have been inoperable before being engaged by Russian guns. The new version is associated with the designation Magura V5. Magura's have since been involved in multiple missions and sunk several high-value Russian ships.
Magura V5 specifications:
Length: 5.5 meters
Width: 1.5 meters
Height above the waterline: 0.5 meters
Speed: 22 knots cruising, 42 knots max
Range: 450 nautical miles (approximately 833 km)
Payload: 320 kg
Communication: mesh radio with an aerial repeater or satellite communication.
Magura V5 maritime drone via SpetsTechnoExport / Uprom
Magura W6
Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel (USV) armed with an improvised air-defense system with the 'Sea Dragon' stystem consisting of two AA-11 ARCHER (R-73) missiles. Produced by Magura and used by GUR. The 'W' refers to a whaler hull.
A Magura W6P configured for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance).
Magura V7
The Magura V7 appears to have partly superseded the Magura V5 in service with the GUR (Ukrainian Defence Intelligence). The type is slightly larger, 7.5 meters long, and can carry two AIM-9L Sidewinder air-air missiles in a 'FrankenSAM' configuration. It shares similar lines to the V5 version but has a reshaped bow. This feature suggests improved sea keeping, useful for operations in winter. It has been seen with several communications antenna and sensors.
The larger size of the V7 (behind) is apparent compared to the V5 in front.
Toloka TLK-150
The small Toloka TLK-150 is a natural evolution of Ukraine’s maritime drones which are uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) packed with explosives. Being an underwater vehicle it is less prone to detection and harder to neutralize with gunfire. Its warhead is also impacting below the waterline so may be more likely to sink its target.
The design is evidently intended to operate as a form of loitering torpedo. It consists of a typical tubular body, but with a large keel and horizontal stabilizers amidships. Thrusters are mounted on the end of each horizontal stabilizer. Intuitively, these are used for steering as well as propulsion. This should allow significant agility. If the mast is always above water then, technically, you could argue that it’s a semi-submersible. In this case however that distinction may be unhelpful. It’s a weaponized UUV.
The trade-off will be range and speed. Also, the communications mast, which may contain an electro-optical camera, will need to be above the surface. Although it has been shown publicly, it is unclear whether it is being used operationally. Multiple versions are expected, including one which is 4 meters long and claimed to have a range of 1200 km or 400 km operation radius.
Mamai
The Mamai was used by Ukraine's SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) in the attacks on the Ropucha Class landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak and the tanker Sig. Both attacks, far away from Ukrainian controlled territory, inflicted significant damage.
It is named after Kozak Mamai (Cossack Mamai/Mamay), a Ukrainian folk hero and one of the standard characters in traditional Ukrainian 'Vertep' puppet theater. The design is much larger than the canoe-like USVs (uncrewed surface vessels) first seen in September 2022. And the Magura family of USVs used by GUR (The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine). All the same its overall dimensions are still compact. The increased volume likely allows for a large fuel load, giving its demonstrated long range.
The design uses a planing hull which allows a reported top speed of 60 knots (110 kmph). One, sometimes two, satellite communications antenna are fitted, and there is an electro-optical camera-ball. The warhead is detonated by any of three impact sensors protruding at the bow. These have, on this particular model, proven reliable.
Sea Baby
Ukraine's SBU operates the Sea Baby USV. This was reportedly used to attack the Kerch bridge on July 17 2023. The design is larger than the Magura types but still overall quite small.
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Sea Baby Specifications:
Length: 6 meters
Width: 2 meters
Height above the waterline: 0.6 meters
Speed: 49 knots max
Range: 540 nautical miles (1,000 km) with additional fuel tanks.
Payload: 850 kg
Propulsion: 2 x 200hp inboard motors driving twin waterjets.
Communication: Satellite communication.
In addition to the main charge, the Sea Baby can carry RPV-16 thermobaric rockets. Variations of two, four and six small rocket tubes have been seen. The rockets are unguided and have a range of around 1,000 meters. These weapons could serve several purposes. As well as being a primary way to attack a target, they could be used to defend against surface threats. During an attack with a ram-charge, the rockets could be launched to distract or suppress defenses. This latter tactic was used on some Imperial Japanese explosive boats in World War Two.
The Sea Baby can be used to launch 6 x 122mm rockets. Several have been modified.
Sea Baby-2, 'Avdiivka'
The improved Sea Baby developed for the SBU was revealed in early March 2024. A single 400 horsepower engine is used in place of the twin jet ski motors of the earlier type. This allows a 400 kg warhead (some reports heavier). It has a range of around 500 nautical miles and a maximum speed in the region of 48 knots. Its reinforced hull can traverse waves 1.5 meters high, while its draft is around 1 meter and height above water 1 meter. Communications includes both a directional Starlink antenna and Kymeta satellite link. Although unconfirmed, it seems likely that like the original Sea Baby it can also carry rockets.
The large white antenna at the stern is Kymeta while the smaller rectangular one is StarLink. Ahead of that is the electro-optical/infrared sensor.
Sea Wolf
Slightly larger than the Sea Baby, the Sea Wolf is offered with a wide range of weapon configurations. Although unconfirmed that it was this type, but it appears that on May 3 2025 an SBU operated Sea Wolf USV shot down a Russian Su-30 FLANKER west of Crimea using an AA-11 ARCHER missile.
Stalker 5.0
The Stalker 5.0 USV was revealed at the international Black Sea Security Forum 2024 in Odesa. It is approximately 5 meters long and 1.2 meters wide, and carries a 150kg payload. The vessel uses a 60 hp outboard motor to achieve maximum speeds of 40 knots. Range is 350-600 km. The type is described as being intended for reconnaissance and patrol, and can also be used for transporting supplies. Unit price is stated as 60k USD, making it cheaper than some other designs.
Marichka Underwater Drone (AUV)
The Marichka (МАРІЧКА) is a new large autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by AMMO Ukraine. Among the many large AUV projects around the world, it is probably the first born directly from wartime needs. The basic vehicle is 6 meters long and 1 meter in dimeter. Construction is metal with all or most of the hull being a pressure vessel. A keel appears to run along the bottom, and there are the expected towing loops.
Ammo Ukraine have advertised the system as being for anti-ship, anti-bridge, intelligence gathering and transport. Range is reportedly 1,000km. Unit cost is stated as 16 million UAH, equivilent to 433k USD.
At least one of the prototypes has an X-form rudder configuration. Note the nose cone on the floor at the front of the vehicle.
Weaponized AM-800 RHIB
An undidentified USV was discovered, float capsized, in Romanian waters on April 3 2024. The craft uses an American-built Silver Ships AM-800 rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) as its base. The warhead was from a STYX anti-ship missile. The vessel has not been formally attributed, but appears most likely Ukrainian.
Riverine Resupply USV
Prototype logistics USV observed with two ammunition containers (US type, 120mm or 155mm rounds). The craft is very small, around 1.5 meters long, and has a 30kg payload.
Unnamed Ukrainian Navy USV with FPV Drones
On December 7 2024 the commander of the Ukrainian Navy (VMS ZSU), Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, shared a video of a new surface drone (USV- uncrewed surface vessel) being used in the Black Sea. The vessel is unique among previously seen types in having a hangar for at least 4 quadrotor FPV drones. It also appears to have a hangar for minelaying over the transom.
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Katran X1
A comparatively large USV designed for precision strikes on enemy ships, surfaced submarines and other targets using strike drones. Both quadrotor FPV types and the 'Osa' loitering munition are carried. 'Katran' is the local name for the Spiny Dogfish, a small species of shark
Katran X1 USV. The badge is of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) unit of the ukrainian Armed Forces.
Katran X1 Specifications:
Length: 8 meters
Width: 2.3 meters
Height above the waterline: 1.2 meters
Speed: 56 knots max, 32 knots cruising
Range: 650 nautical miles (1,200 km) at cruising speed.
Payload: 4 x 10″ FPV drones, 'Osa' strike drones
Propulsion: 1 x outboard motor
Communication: Satellite communication.
The X2 is slightly larger, but otherwise similar. It can carry a remote weapon station (RWS) with Browning M2 machine gun.
Katran X3
A smaller brother of the X1, this model has a longer range but reduced payload. Significantly, an internal ramming charge is carried in addition to the FPV drones typical of the Katran family.
Katran X3 Specifications:
Length: 6.5 meters
Width: 2.2 meters
Height above the waterline: 1.1 meters
Speed: 40 knots max, 30 knots cruising
Range: 890 nautical miles (1,650 km) at cruising speed.
Payload: 4 x FPV drones, internal ramming charge
Propulsion: 1 x outboard motor
Communication: Satellite communication.
Alligator
Small naval drone approximately the size of a jet ski with facetted shaping. Few details available.
Unnamed type with missile tubes
An unidentified Ukrainian USV shown being engaged in footage released on Russian social media. It has two launch tubes, one each side of the hull. These look similar to torpedo tubes but are more likely for a missile. Possibly a Katran Venom.
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