Russia bolsters Kerch Bridge defences against Ukrainian Sea drones

The Russians are afraid of an attack by Ukrainian sea drones on the Kerch Bridge. The military has started building fortifications to protect the structure from attacks. We describe the capabilities of the Magura V5 and Sea Baby drones used by Ukraine.

The Kerch Bridge is crucial for Russia because it provides a direct road and rail connection to annexed Crimea, facilitating more accessible transport of people and goods. It is a symbol of Russia's political control over Crimea and a demonstration of the country's engineering and logistical capabilities. In addition, the bridge strengthens Crimea's strategic importance in a military and geopolitical context, making transferring military equipment to the peninsula easier.

Photos of a floating crane on the waters of the Kerch Strait have appeared on Telegram's Krym—reality channel.

Brady Africk, an analyst in the Department of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, reported that Russian authorities continue increasing the number of barges near the Kerch Bridge.

According to satellite photos, the Russians have set up a second line of barriers near the Kerch Bridge. In addition, work is underway on platforms near the bridge's foundations.

Ukrainian sea drones have become essential tools for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in fighting the Russian invasion. In recent months, their effectiveness has significantly increased, leading to numerous losses on the adversary's side. The most popular units include the Magura V5 and Sea Baby.

Magura V5 is the latest model of an unmanned surface vessel joining the rapidly growing fleet of Ukrainian drones. The drone was first showcased at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2023).

During the first presentation, Ukrainian developers emphasized that the Magura V5 is not just another unmanned surface vessel. It is a multifunctional drone with the potential to change the battlefield significantly. It was designed to perform various operations, such as observation, surveillance, and even combat missions. Its key features, such as high manoeuvrability and the ability to be remotely operated, make it an extremely versatile tool.

The Magura V5 unmanned surface vessel was created by the Ukrainian company SpetsTechnoExport, specializing in advanced defence technologies. According to available information, it is 5.5 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. It can move at a maximum speed of 77 km/h, while its cruising speed is 40 km/h.

This unmanned surface vessel's operational range is estimated at 834 kilometres, making it ideal for long-distance missions. Moreover, the Magura V5 can carry a payload of up to 320 kilograms, increasing its utility and versatility on the battlefield.

The Sea Baby drone is one of the freshest innovations in drone technology. Its ability to carry explosive loads of up to 850 kilograms represents a significant advancement compared to older models, which could have only 200 to 400 kilograms of warheads.

In terms of appearance, the Sea Baby resembles a motorboat but has some unique features. Its surface is coated with special camouflage paint consisting of two colours. These colours have been carefully selected to create the illusion that the drone is smaller and more complex for potential adversaries to detect. This camouflage is particularly effective at night when it becomes even more challenging to detect.

Furthermore, the Sea Baby drones are equipped with antennas necessary for communication. This unmanned surface vehicle is controlled using AR goggles, the same technology used to control FPV drones. This control method allows for precise manoeuvring of the drone, which is essential for mission execution.