Five major combat records achieved by Ukraine’s military intelligence thanks to the use of the Magura family of naval drones — the first of their kind in the world — have been officially registered in the National Register of Records of Ukraine.
This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate.
The official record registration took place at the Museum of Military Intelligence of Ukraine, where a new exhibition dedicated to the Magura naval drone family recently opened.
The registered records include:
- The first-ever sinking of warships by naval drones
- The first-ever downing of a combat aircraft by a naval drone
- The first-ever destruction of an aerial target by a naval drone
- The highest number of enemy warships and boats hit — from 2023 to 2024, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence struck 15 vessels of the Russian Black Sea Fleet
- The highest number of enemy warships and boats sunk
Representatives of the National Register of Records of Ukraine presented certificates to Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine; the head of the Intelligence's unmanned systems department; and the fighters of Group 13, the unit responsible for executing maritime special operations with the drones.
“We closely followed the development and combat use of MAGURA and can confidently say: these achievements are globally unique. They prove that even under the harshest conditions, Ukraine can produce innovations that change the course of war and set an example for the world,” said Andrii Masiuk, a representative of the National Register of Records.
Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov expressed gratitude and praised the high combat effectiveness of MAGURA:
“Every ship sunk, every plane or helicopter shot down — weakens the enemy’s capabilities. These are real steps toward our victory. I want to thank Group 13 for their work. Their dedication and professionalism allow us to achieve these results.”
The commander of Group 13, callsign "Thirteenth", whose team directly carries out the MAGURA maritime operations, thanked Ukrainian engineers for their ingenuity:
“Thanks to the commanders who supported the initiative, the manufacturers for their innovations, and my team for their committed and successful work. We are fighting a resource-rich enemy, so any support is especially valuable. We sincerely thank everyone — and especially the National Register — for this recognition and trust.”
Military security expert Mykhailo Honchar, who also attended the ceremony, said:
“MAGURA drones have already proven their combat effectiveness on water and in the air. I wish the next record to be underwater — Russian submarines are overdue for a visit from Ukrainian drones.”
Finally, Main Intelligence Directorate representative Andrii Yusov emphasized the strategic importance of these achievements:
“These records show how Ukraine is reshaping the history of warfare, proving that innovation and courage can overpower an enemy's numerical advantage. We are proud of everyone involved in creating and using MAGURA naval drones. Your work is a global example of how asymmetric responses can be both effective and devastating for the aggressor.”
