Ukraine’s Magura Naval Drone to Be Built in the US as UForce and ReconCraft Sign MoU
The Magura unmanned surface vehicle (USV), which has inflicted heavy losses on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet throughout the war, is set to be manufactured on US soil for American defense programs. Ukrainian producer UForce and US boatbuilder ReconCraft signed a memorandum of understanding on 21 July 2026 at Ukraine’s embassy in Washington, with the deal made public on 22 July 2026.
Under the MoU, UForce’s US arm will handle market development and software integration, while ReconCraft will manage hull construction and assembly at its facilities in Oregon and South Carolina. The partners aim to adapt the craft’s communications, software, payloads and weapons interfaces to American military requirements.
A combat-proven system
What sets Magura apart from an ordinary prototype is its battlefield record. According to Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) unit Group 13, the drones sank the missile boat Ivanovets in February 2024, the landing ship Tsezar Kunikov the same month, and the patrol ship Sergey Kotov in March 2024. In May 2025 they were reported to have played a role in downing two Russian Su-30 fighters. The record illustrates how small, relatively cheap sea drones can pose an asymmetric threat to far costlier platforms.
The V5 and V7 variants
The original combat model, the Magura V5, is roughly 5.5 meters long and weighs about 1,000 kilograms. It carries a 300-320 kg payload, with a maximum range of around 800 km and a practical strike radius near 400 km. Capable of 42 knots, the V5 is reported to cost about $273,000 per unit.
The expanded V7 and MV7 designs measure 7.2-7.8 meters, offering 650-1,200 kg of payload capacity and ranges up to 1,000 km (about 1,480 km for the MV7). Both variants feature autonomous navigation, encrypted communications and modular fits for strike, air defense, reconnaissance and UAV mothership roles.
What remains unconfirmed
The companies disclosed no production quantity and no firm US order. The MoU should be read as an industrial cooperation framework rather than a binding production contract. UForce says it targets a capacity of hundreds or even thousands of vessels a year, but whether that ambition converts into concrete orders remains to be seen.
Significance for the Turkish defense industry
Unmanned surface vessels are an area of rapid Turkish investment as well. The ULAQ family, ASELSAN’s ALBATROS and MARLIN lines, and STM’s systems answer the same asymmetric naval warfare concept. The Magura case shows how combat experience in this class can become an export and technology-cooperation asset, sharpening both competition and partnership opportunities for firms offering products in the same market.
Sources
- Army Recognition – “Ukraine Magura USV to be manufactured in the US by UForce and ReconCraft” – 22 July 2026. Used for the MoU, parties and technical data.
- Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (HUR) / Group 13 statements. Used for Black Sea combat records and dates.
