UFORCE Predator RWS and MAGURA USV

History

The UFORCE Predator remote weapon station and MAGURA unmanned surface vehicle family are distinct Ukrainian naval systems marketed by UFORCE. Predator is intended to detect, track, and engage threats from a stabilized weapon mount, while MAGURA comprises remotely controlled and autonomous vessels for reconnaissance, strike, air-defense, and other maritime missions.

In August 2026, UFORCE reported that Predator had completed trials aboard a frigate belonging to a NATO member. Based on visible equipment and the ship's configuration, Janes assessed that the vessel was a French Navy La Fayette-class frigate, probably Surcouf or Guépratte. The company did not identify the ship.

The MAGURA family originated in Ukraine's wartime development of long-range unmanned maritime strike systems. Early MAGURA V1 and V2 test vehicles were reportedly under development by May 2022. The Ukrainian government announced work on a combat surface drone in November 2022, and the MAGURA V5 was publicly presented in Istanbul in July 2023.

MAGURA development

Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence contracted private developers with previous experience in unmanned surface vehicles. The resulting MAGURA V5 was designed as a low-profile craft able to intercept moving ships at sea. Its missions also included surveillance, reconnaissance, patrol, maritime security, search and rescue, and mine countermeasures.

The MAGURA V5 entered operational use in 2023. Later development produced the multipurpose V6P and the larger V7. The V7 was adapted to carry a machine gun or surface-launched air-to-air missiles. A detailed account published by Army Recognition states that the V7 used a 270 hp diesel engine and supported heavier payloads than the V5.

In July 2026, UFORCE and United States boatbuilder ReconCraft signed a memorandum concerning MAGURA production in the United States. UFORCE USA was assigned responsibility for market development, government relations, and software integration, while ReconCraft was to handle hull construction, assembly, and industrial scaling. No government order, production quantity, delivery schedule, or selected configuration had been announced.

Predator frigate trial

UFORCE announced the frigate trial on 11 August 2026. Images showed one Predator station on the starboard quarter of the flight deck. A French pennant, Thales Sea Tiger 2 radar, Crotale launcher, and mast configuration supported the assessment that the ship belonged to the La Fayette class. It was not confirmed whether another station was fitted elsewhere.

During the trial, Predator reportedly detected, tracked, and engaged an aerial drone and an unmanned surface vessel. This demonstrated the station in a naval counter-drone role, but UFORCE did not publish the weapon type, sensor specifications, engagement ranges, stabilization performance, or production status.

Design

Predator remote weapon station

Predator is a remotely operated naval weapon mount with target detection, tracking, and engagement functions. Its installation on the frigate placed the system near the flight deck with an outward field of fire. Available evidence confirms a single trial installation but does not establish a standard shipboard configuration.

MAGURA V5

The MAGURA V5 has a low-profile V-shaped hull measuring 5.5 m (18 ft) long. Its mass is less than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), and only about 0.5 m of the craft is exposed above the waterline. This layout reduces its visual, radar, and thermal signatures compared with a conventional crewed boat.

The craft uses automatic navigation supported by global navigation satellite system, inertial, and visual methods. It can also be controlled remotely. Reported equipment includes an autopilot, day and night video systems, redundant communication modules, and a combat module. Supporting equipment can include a ground control station, transport and storage equipment, and a data-processing center.

Published range figures are not fully consistent. The detailed variant comparison in the MAGURA V5 reference record gives a maximum operational range of 800 km (500 mi), while the GlobalMilitary compilation lists 432 km (233 nmi). Mission profile, fuel allocation, payload, sea state, and the requirement to return can substantially change practical range.

The original V5 was configured with an explosive charge for one-way attacks. Adapted craft later carried two modified R-73 infrared-guided missiles for surface-to-air engagements. These missile installations required target cueing, electrical integration, launch control, and compensation for the vessel's motion.

MAGURA V7 and MV7

The MAGURA V7 is an enlarged reusable version measuring approximately 7.2 m (23.5 ft). It has a reported mass below 1,300 kg (2,866 lb), a payload capacity of up to 650 kg (1,433 lb), and a 270 hp diesel engine. Configurations have been shown with a turret-mounted machine gun or two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.

The related MV7 configuration is reported to measure 7.8 m long and 2.35 m wide. It uses a composite hull incorporating fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. Proposed mission equipment includes remote weapon stations, short-range surface-to-air missiles, aerial drones, logistics payloads, and mine-warfare systems. Individual configurations should not be assumed to carry all of these systems simultaneously.

Operational history

MAGURA V5 vessels were used against Russian naval forces in the Black Sea. Ukrainian forces employed them in attacks that destroyed a Serna-class landing craft and an Akula-class landing craft at Chornomorske in November 2023. On 1 February 2024, multiple V5 craft attacked and sank the missile corvette Ivanovets near Lake Donuzlav.

MAGURA vessels were subsequently used in attacks on the landing ship Tsezar Kunikov on 14 February 2024 and the patrol ship Sergey Kotov on 5 March 2024. Further attacks destroyed KC-701 and KS-701 boats during 2024. Ukrainian intelligence attributed these results to MAGURA operations.

On 31 December 2024, Ukraine reported that a MAGURA V5 fitted with modified R-73 missiles destroyed one Russian Mi-8 helicopter and damaged another near Cape Tarkhankut. On 2 May 2025, Ukraine claimed that missile-armed MAGURA V7 vessels shot down two Russian Su-30SM fighters west of Novorossiysk using AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. These combat results were Ukrainian claims; the Russian Ministry of Defence did not publicly confirm the aircraft losses.

During the Balikatan exercise in the Philippines on 2 May 2026, the United States Army's 1st Special Forces Group deployed a MAGURA vessel in a maritime strike exercise. This demonstrated evaluation or exercise use but did not establish a disclosed United States procurement program.

Predator's August 2026 frigate event was a trial rather than confirmed operational service. The station engaged representative aerial and surface-drone threats during the test, but no installation contract or fleet deployment was announced.

Variants

• MAGURA V1 and V2: Early test vehicles reportedly developed from May 2022.
• MAGURA V5: Original publicly presented low-profile strike and reconnaissance version. It can carry an explosive charge or, in an adapted configuration, two modified R-73 missiles.
• MAGURA V6P: Multipurpose unmanned surface vehicle developed after the V5.
• MAGURA V7: Enlarged diesel-powered version configured with a machine gun or two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
• MV7: Larger modular configuration proposed for strike, air-defense, reconnaissance, logistics, aerial-drone support, and mine-warfare missions.
• Predator RWS: Remote weapon station tested aboard a NATO frigate against aerial and surface unmanned targets.

Operators

• Ukraine: MAGURA vessels are operated by personnel associated with Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence and the 385th Unmanned Surface Vessel Brigade.

Specifications (MAGURA V5)

General characteristics

• Type: Multipurpose unmanned surface vehicle
• Length: 5.5 m (18 ft)
• Mass: Less than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb)
• Payload capacity: Up to 300 kg (660 lb)
• Guidance and control: Global navigation satellite system, inertial and visual navigation, autopilot, and remote control

Performance

• Maximum speed: 42 kn (78 km/h; 48 mph)
• Cruising speed: Approximately 22 kn (41 km/h; 25 mph)
• Maximum published operational range: Up to 800 km (500 mi)
• Endurance: Up to 60 hours

Armament

• Strike configuration: Explosive charge of up to 300 kg (660 lb)
• Air-defense adaptation: Two modified R-73 infrared-guided missiles