Ukrainian Magura V3 Naval Drone Found Off Greece, Triggering Probe

A Ukrainian-designed Magura V3 naval drone was discovered near the Greek island of Lefkada, prompting a security response. The device reportedly contained detonators but no explosives. Authorities are investigating possible links to smuggling or potential operations targeting Russia’s shadow fleet. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied This photograph taken on April 11, 2024, shows a naval drone Magura of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine cruising on water during demonstration for journalists at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google A naval drone identified as a Ukrainian-designed Magura V3 was discovered near the Greek island of Lefkada, prompting an investigation by authorities, local media reported on Friday, May 8. According to Greek outlet Kathimerini , the unmanned vessel was found in a coastal cave and retrieved by fishermen, who towed it to port. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Initial reports said the drone contained detonators but no explosives, leading bomb disposal units to secure the device before it was taken for further examination. Greek authorities said the drone was equipped with advanced communication systems and was still operational when discovered. Specialists removed three detonators from the vessel, which is not expected to be destroyed but instead examined further. Officials are considering several scenarios, including the possibility that the drone was used for smuggling operations. Another line of inquiry is whether it could be linked to planned attacks on vessels from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, used to transport oil to avoid sanctions. The Magura V3 is a Ukrainian-designed unmanned surface vessel used for reconnaissance and strike missions. It can travel up to 800 km (500 miles) with a top speed of around 80 km/h (50 mph) and operate autonomously for up to 60 hours. The drone is equipped with satellite communication systems and real-time video transmission, and can carry an explosive payload estimated at up to 200-300 kg, depending on configuration. Other Topics of Interest Kremlin Bars Foreign Media From Moscow’s May 9 Parade Coverage The Kremlin revoked accreditation for major foreign media ahead of Moscow’s May 9 Victory Day parade, limiting coverage to Russian outlets only. The event will take place in a scaled-down format without heavy military hardware and with far fewer foreign guests than last year, amid heightened security concerns and reported mobile internet disruptions across Moscow. Ukrainian sea drones on May 3 attacked and damaged a pair of Russian shadow fleet tankers near the entrance to the port of Novorossiysk, the naval base the once-mighty Black Sea Fleet retreated to after being forced to abandon its pre-full-scale-invasion base in Crimea earlier in the war. Both vessels were sanctioned illegal transporters of Russian oil and were set afire and “put out of service,” a joint statement by the Ukrainian Navy and national intelligence service (the SBU) said. Three days before the two tankers were hit off Novorossiysk, on April 29, a pair of Ukrainian Magura sea drones targeted and hit the reported shadow tanker Marquise , in open Black Sea waters some 210 kilometers (130 miles) southeast of Tuapse. The tanker was hit in the stern near the engine and propellers, and at the time reported disabled and drifting. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.