Introduction of the MV11
Ukraine has introduced a new sea drone named MV11, designed to carry and deploy other uncrewed vehicles in open water. Dubbed the world’s first ‘drone aircraft carrier,’ the MV11 is developed by Ukrainian defense start-up UFORCE. It was showcased during a parade featuring various drones in Kyiv, coinciding with the country’s independence day celebrations.
We are confident that the MV11 will become the backbone of many successful missions and contribute to further pushing back the enemy, commented Oleh Rohynskyi, UFORCE’s chief executive, to Ukraine’s specialist outlet Militarnyi.
Strategic Importance
Despite lacking a major navy, Kyiv has leveraged long-range missiles and both airborne and marine drones to target Russian assets in the Black Sea. Sea drones serve as kamikaze weapons, capturing striking footage as they collide with more expensive Russian ships. They are also utilized for reconnaissance missions, staying low in the water and evading radar detection.
Following Ukraine’s success, Russia has begun developing its own fleet of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). Estonia’s intelligence has cautioned that Russia is forming attack-oriented USV units within its naval forces and Caspian Flotilla.
The Magura Collection
UFORCE has gained recognition for its Magura collection of sea drones—mainly utilized by Kyiv’s GUR military intelligence against Russian vessels in the Black Sea. Ukraine’s domestic security agency, SBU, prefers the SeaBaby USV design. During independence day festivities, nine Ukrainian USVs navigated the Dnieper River in Kyiv.
Notably, a Magura USV achieved a milestone by destroying a Russian Su-30 fighter jet in May 2025, marking the first drone to accomplish such a feat.
Capabilities of the Magura MV11
The Magura MV11 is the largest in the Magura drone series, with enhancements including machine guns and surface-to-air missiles. Describing the model, Rohynskyi emphasized that it’s not solely remarkable for its size but for its functionality as a carrier for deploying other unmanned systems remotely.
According to Ukrainian media, the drone can operate up to a week at sea. It can transport up to 2,200 kilograms of sensors, fuel, missiles, or other drones. It can also carry up to 18 Sting interceptor drones, each equipped with explosive warheads. A fixed camera aids pilots in navigation.
Impact on Ukraine’s Strategy
Though the MV11 might not drastically alter Ukraine’s drone operations, it serves as a strategic enhancement in the Black Sea, noted Steve Wright, a U.K.-based drone expert. He explained that the MV11 allows for sustained presence in areas, denying enemy access proactively.
Wright also highlighted that the technology within the MV11 has existed for a while, simplifying its integration into a single platform.
NATO’s Interest and International Collaboration
NATO is closely monitoring Ukraine’s use of naval drones, with the alliance seeking insights from Ukraine’s strategies. In July, a joint NATO-Ukrainian organization facilitated briefings for numerous NATO officials on Ukraine’s USV utilization.
Moreover, U.S.-based ReconCraft, specializing in boats for special operations forces, is set to manufacture Magura USVs in the U.S., following a memorandum of understanding signed in Washington.