Ukrainian Magura naval drones to be produced in US – WSJ
The American company ReconCraft will begin producing Ukrainian unmanned naval platforms Magura in the United States in partnership with the Ukrainian company UFORCE.
Details: The Wall Street Journal
Details: According to the publication, last week at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, ReconCraft and the Ukrainian company UFORCE, the manufacturer of Magura, signed a memorandum of understanding on producing these naval drones in the US.
The agreement provides for joint work in which both companies will supply components, equipment and personnel.
ReconCraft co-founder Joe Silkowski said the company plans to produce hundreds – and later thousands – of Magura naval drones annually at facilities in Oregon and South Carolina. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
UFORCE CEO Oleh Rohynskyi stated that Ukraine's consent to produce Magura in the US is "absolutely key", as these naval drones will allow the United States to apply lessons, tactics and operational concepts developed over years of war in Ukraine.
As part of the partnership, UFORCE will also provide the US with its unmanned aerial, naval and ground systems, as well as autonomous control software and command-and-control technologies.
According to the company, Magura is an unmanned high-speed boat about 7.6 meters long, capable of carrying over 770 kg of payload across distances exceeding 560 km. Depending on configuration, its cost is under US$500,000.
The platform is designed for strike missions but can also launch aerial drones, perform demining tasks and tow sonar systems for submarine detection.
Background:
- Earlier, it was reported that US special forces tested Ukrainian Magura naval drones during exercises in the Philippines, using them against a target ship.
- UFORCE has also equipped the Magura military naval drones with anti-drone interceptors.
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