Russian fortifies kerch bridge: Rising fear of Ukrainian sea drones

The Russians fear an attack by Ukrainian sea drones on the Kerch Bridge. The military has begun constructing fortifications to protect the structure from potential assaults. We describe the capabilities of the Magura V5 and Sea Baby drones used by Ukraine.

The Kerch Bridge is vital for Russia as it provides a direct road and rail link to annexed Crimea, facilitating more accessible transport of people and goods. It symbolises Russia's political control over Crimea and showcases its engineering and logistical capabilities. Additionally, the bridge enhances Crimea's strategic importance in a military and geopolitical context, simplifying the transfer of military equipment to the peninsula.

At the end of May, Karolina Modzelewska, editor of Wirtualna Polska, wrote about the barriers that began to appear at the Kerch Bridge. It seems that Russia is erecting even stronger fortifications.

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 Defence Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, reported that Russian authorities continue increasing the number of barges near the Kerch Bridge.

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

Ukrainian sea drones have become essential tools for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in their fight against 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 unmanned surface vessel model to join the rapidly growing fleet of Ukrainian drones. The drone was first showcased at the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2023).

During the first presentation, Ukrainian developers emphasised that the Magura V5 is not just another unmanned surface vessel. It is a multifunctional drone with the potential to significantly change the battlefield. 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, which specialises in advanced defence technologies. According to available information, it is about 5.5 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. It can move at a maximum speed of roughly 77.2 km/h, while its cruising speed is around 40.2 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 kilogrammes, increasing its utility and versatility on the battlefield.

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

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.