Ukrainian military intelligence has received a new-generation maritime drone, the Magura W6, as part of its continued efforts to challenge Russian naval dominance in the Black Sea. The presented unit’s production was fully funded by Ukraine’s PUMB Bank.

New addition to Ukraine’s naval drone fleet

On 26 June, Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) reported that its Group 13 unit had taken delivery of the Magura W6, a multi-purpose maritime drone platform.

“The Magura W6 is a drone from the newest generation of maritime reconnaissance and strike platforms recently unveiled by the Main Directorate of Intelligence,” HUR wrote.

Designed for patrolling sea areas, monitoring airspace, and supporting evacuation and logistics missions, the drone represents the newest development in Ukraine’s advanced naval drone family.

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The drone joins a fleet that has already inflicted over half a billion dollars in losses on the Russian fleet, according to HUR. Earlier platforms from the Magura family have contributed significantly to forcing Russian naval forces to retreat from open waters and stay confined to port.

A representative from Group 13, identified by the callsign Ksena, described the drone’s significance:

“Magura W6 is our eyes, weapon, and confidence in every mission. Thank you to everyone standing beside us. Together we are stronger.”

Bank supports Ukraine’s war effort

The Magura W6 was donated by PUMB Bank, which allocated nearly 8 million hryvnias or over $190,000 to fund the drone. The bank’s Deputy Chairman Leonid Skalozub stated:

“We have supported HUR units throughout the war, because we understand the key role of intelligence in defending the country and protecting the lives of our defenders and civilians.”

He emphasized that Ukrainian business remains a reliable partner to the state during its most difficult challenges.

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A growing maritime advantage

The addition of the Magura W6 enhances Ukraine’s operational flexibility at sea. As Russian naval forces remain boxed into ports due to past losses inflicted by previous drone operations, the new drone may further restrict their ability to maneuver in the Black Sea.

The HUR expressed gratitude to PUMB’s team, clients, and partners for contributing to the defense effort:

“Your help is a vital contribution to the safety of Black Sea shipping and our shared victory.”

Ukraine has upgraded its sea-based Katran drone with strike capabilities reaching targets up to 100 kilometers away, according to the drone’s operator from Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence agency speaking to Militarnyi. The unmanned vessel, originally designed as a kamikaze platform, has evolved into a strategic multi-role system capable of deep and extended operations.

A new strategic weapon in Ukraine’s Black Sea

In an interview with Militarnyi, a special forces operative from the HUR’s Black Sea Legion with the call sign Devyatyi (“Ninth”) described the Katran as a strategic tool and revealed major performance upgrades. He confirmed the drone can operate for up to six days on water and reach targets as far as 3000 kilometers—nearly tripling the publicly stated range of 1,000 kilometers that had been reported back in March.

“The system allows operations beyond 2,000 kilometers. Although we officially state 1,600 km, we’ve already seen examples of 3,000 km missions,” Ninth told Militarnyi.

The Katran is now armed with weapons that strike targets up to 100 km away, guided by artificial intelligence for high precision, according to him.

A sea drone built for versatility and reach

The Katran—named after a type of spiny dogfish a.k.a. mud shark—is a multi-role platform developed by Ukrainian defense manufacturer Military Armored Company HUB. It belongs to a broader family of Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of hitting targets in the air, at sea, and far into enemy-controlled territory.

The weapons systems, including FPV drones and missile payloads, are housed in the superstructure built above the drone’s main hull. This modular design enables the platform to carry a diverse set of payloads depending on mission needs.

Operator-centered design

Katran’s control interface includes a custom operator seat modeled after aircraft cockpits. It features an aviation-style yoke and throttle lever, along with multiple control buttons. One of those buttons, according to Militarnyi, likely controls the bow trim of the unmanned vessel during maneuvers.

Operators receive real-time visual data through augmented reality goggles linked to both day and night cameras onboard the drone. This live feed is simultaneously displayed on a rear monitor—presumably to assist command officers at the control station.

From kamikaze boats to reusable strike drones

Ukraine’s naval drone program has rapidly evolved. As Ninth explained, the Katran is no longer a simple kamikaze craft but a long-endurance, reusable platform capable of multiple operations. This marks a dramatic transformation from the first Ukrainian USVs used in the Black Sea in June 2023, which were loaded with explosives and designed for one-way attacks.

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The HUR has invested heavily in expanding a flotilla of unmanned maritime systems. These include launch platforms for kamikaze drones and strike systems capable of engaging both land-based and maneuvering maritime targets.

Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov officially revealed the Katran drone in March through his Telegram channel.