Russians discovered a MAGURA marine drone intended to attack a Russian military facility in Crimea washed ashore.

Russian propaganda media published the photos of the drone.

Russian media released images of a drone that washed ashore. It was reportedly discovered on the western coast of the Crimean peninsula.

In its specifications, the detected drone is similar to the Ukrainian MAGURA V5 marine drone. However, the picture captures a number of significant differences.

Magura V5 surface drone on the coast of Crimea, November 22, 2023

The main differences include the lack of the drone’s optical station and the addition of additional antennas on board in the front and aft parts.

It can be assumed that the Russians disrupted or dismantled the camera after it was discovered because an open technical hole was spotted in the place where it should have been installed.

Ukrainian MAGURA V5 naval drone. July 2023. Frame from CNN video

However, other signs suggest that the photo captured a new modification of the MAGURA drone.

Additional antennas, one of which looks like a satellite with a phased array, may indicate the integration of a redundant communication system in the event of a failure of one of them.

The simultaneous use of several means of communication may be necessary, considering recent events related to the politically motivated blocking of the Starlink network in the Black Sea.

It is currently unknown what caused the loss of the drone. Given the integrity of the hull, it could have been due to a technical malfunction or a control error.

This is not the first instance that a Ukrainian combat marine drone has fallen into the hands of the invaders. In September last year, one of the early versions of Ukrainian strike UAVs was discovered off the shore near Sevastopol.

Ukrainian naval kamikaze drone on the coast of Crimea. Photo from open sources

MAGURA V5

Maritime Autonomous Guard Unmanned Robotic Apparatus (MAGURA) V-type is a new generation multi-purpose unmanned surface vessel developed in Ukraine.

The drone has a small superstructure in the middle part, the front of which is equipped with the complex with rotary cameras. MAGURA V5 can cover a distance of up to 800 kilometers.

The drone is controlled by a special portable remote control with screens and a set of keys and switches. The operator uses cameras to observe the situation around the drone and can control it until it hits a specific target.

Declared specifications of MAGURA V5 include:

• Length: 5500 mm or 5.5 m;
• Width: 1500 mm or 1.5 m;
• Cruising speed: 22 knots;
• Maximum speed: 42 knots;
• Communication: mesh radio with an aerial repeater or satellite communication.

As a kamikaze drone, it can engage enemy surface ships, both at sea and at military bases in bays. To do so, it can carry up to 320 kilograms of explosives.

Canada has completed the deployment of Leopard 2 tanks in Latvia to bolster NATO mission in Eastern Europe.

The Canadian media reported on this with reference to the Department of National Defense of Canada.

The planned deployment was announced in June when then Defense Minister Anita Anand shared that the squadron would strengthen the NATO alliance’s deterrence capabilities.

The squadron of Leopard 2 tanks arrived in Latvia on November 10, along with a detachment of support personnel and equipment.

The Leopard 2A4M CAN is a Canadian modernized version of the German main battle tank. It received improved armor protection and electronics.

In particular, the tank was fitted with a set of additional composite armor on the turret, frontal hull, and sides, which provides protection against anti-tank grenades, guided missiles, and dart ammunition. The tank’s mine protection was also brought up to the Leopard 2A6 level.

Tank Leopard 2A4M CAN. Photo from open sources.

Instrumentation, including the fire control system, new fully electric turret rotation mechanisms, and gun stabilizers, has been updated. An electronic radio jamming system was also integrated to protect against radio-controlled explosive devices.

The total weight of the Leopard 2A4M CAN has increased to 61.8 tons. Thanks to its 1500 hp engine and advanced suspension system, it can reach a top speed of approximately 65 km/h and cover a distance of approximately 550 km.

Reinforcement on the Latvian border

The practice of deploying troops and equipment to allies in a tense region is normal for North Atlantic Alliance member states.

In addition to tanks, M142 HIMARS rocket systems of the 321st Field Artillery Regiment under the command of the 1st Infantry Division of the US Army were also deployed to Latvia in September this year.

Last June, Spain deployed a battery of the NASAMS air defense system in Latvia as part of strengthening NATO’s eastern borders.

Spanish NASAMS air defense systems in Latvia. Photo credits: NBS

All the processes of strengthening the military grouping on the borders are linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing tensions in the region.

The Come Back Alive Foundation has launched the Pure Anger project, within the framework of which it plans to train and equip 25 long-range sniper groups.

The Foundation announced this.

Within the project, the Foundation plans to raise UAH 220,000,000 to reinforce 100 snipers for effective reconnaissance and long-range target engagement.

Sniper rifles in service with the Defense Forces of Ukraine can effectively hit up to 1,200 meters. The system offered by the Foundation can reach over 2,000 meters.

The Foundation’s sniping instructors considered almost 10 years of experience in the Russian-Ukrainian war and, specifically for the project, developed a set of equipment, including long-range ammunition and a rifle.

Within the project, the Foundation plans to purchase equipment for 25 sniper teams, each consisting of four shooters:

• 100 Cadex CDX-40 SHDW 375 CheyTac sniper rifles with daytime optics, thermal imaging pre-biased nozzle, bipod, and silencer;
• 100,000 high-precision cartridges, enough for 2 years of operation;
• 50 specially prepared off-road vehicles;
• 50 laser rangefinders;
• 50 PVS14 night vision devices;
• 50 remote surveillance systems;
• 50 telescopes for observation and adjustment;
• 50 weather stations with a built-in Applied Ballistics calculator;
• 25 Labradar Doppler radars;
• 50 Mavic Thermal Pro drones.

“The importance of long-range sniping in full-scale combat operations is growing. A sniper is primarily a reconnaissance man. We want to provide our specialists with weapons, special military optic, and everything they need to be able to work from the most favorable positions, from the greatest possible distances, and see as far as possible,” Ruslan Shpakovych, senior sniper instructor at the Come Back Alive Foundation, shared.

The Ukrainian military will receive Cadex CDX-40 SHDW chambered in 375 CheyTac. The rifles will be equipped with Schmidt & Bender sights and an Andres-Industries thermal clip-on and aiming devices.

Cadex CDX-40 rifle. Photo from open sources.

The .375 CheyTAC caliber (9.5×77 mm) is not commonly used by the Defense Forces and is currently deployed with a handful of units. This is due to the cost of the ammunition and its purpose of firing at ultra-long distances.

The ammunition of this caliber is characterized by good ballistics and high accuracy, which allows hitting a tall target at a distance of 2000 meters, with a deviation of less than 1 angular minute.

Marksmen of the Rubizh brigade. September 2023. Photo credits: Come Back Alive Foundation

This year, the Foundation’s instructors started training 600 marksmen for 10 combat brigades of the Defense Forces of Ukraine within the Beast Catchers project. So far, 500 soldiers have already been trained.

Technology giant Cisco, with the support of the Pentagon, has supplied Ukrenergo— Ukrainian State Electricity Transmission System Operator—with special equipment to help it withstand cyberattacks.

A Cisco representative told The Register about the issue.

The equipment must cope with Russian radio interference that affects GPS systems.

Russia’s jamming activity is primarily carried out to interfere with missile guidance systems, but a knock-on effect is disruption to grid operators.

Operators rely on GPS systems to manage the flow of electricity in the country.

Photos on the topic: Cisco

This can lead to the inability to trace the exact location of an issue, such as a line break.

“Our team set out to devise a solution using our own technology,” a Cisco spokesperson said.

Cisco sent Ukrenergo modified versions of its network switches after stress-testing the equipment in its lab in the USA.

According to CNN, the cost of creating and delivering the equipment is estimated at about $1 million, but Cisco sent it free of charge.

The Pentagon organized flights to deliver the cargo to Ukraine, the Ministry of Energy handled the logistics, and the Ministry of Commerce organized meetings between American technical experts and Ukrenergo.

The power system is damaged. Photo: rbc.ua

Over the past two years, Russia’s missiles and drones have destroyed 40% of power substations and related equipment across the country.

According to Ilia Vityuk, Head of the SSU’s Cybersecurity Department, massive attempts by Russian hackers to attack power plants are expected this winter.

Romania has announced an international tender for the purchase of medium- and short-range air defense systems.

The announcement was posted on the tender monitoring website.

The program is designed to last for five years and is divided into two stages. The Romanian government plans to spend about $4.2 billion on its implementation.

As part of the program, Romania plans to gradually acquire 41 air defense systems.

The main tender candidates are the Norwegian-American NASAMS system, the German Iris-T, the French VL Mica, and the South Korean M-SAM.

NASAMS, Iris-T, VL Mica and M-SAM launchers. Photo from open sources.

The main criteria will be operational characteristics, cost, and compatibility with NATO air defense systems.

To date, Romania’s air defense is equipped with 4 batteries of American MIM-104E/F Patriot PAC-2 and GEM-T/PAC-3 long-range systems.

Another American air defense system in service with the Romanian Armed Forces is the 48 Hawk Phase IIIR air defense system.

Romania also uses six launchers of the Soviet-era S-75M3 air defense system.

Romanian Patriot PAC-2. Photo from open sources.

The Militarnyi previously reported that the Romanian Air Force had started receiving used Norwegian F-16 fighter jets.

In November 2022, after several months of negotiations between the Norwegian and Romanian parties, an agreement worth €388 million was signed.

The agreement includes the transfer of 32 F-16 fighter jets along with spare parts and auxiliary equipment, as well as maintenance services.

In addition, it was reported that a large batch of JLTV armored vehicles had arrived in Romania.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed two separate agreements with two countries to supply kamikaze drones.

The company announced this on its website.

The total value of the contracts is $145 million; the company does not disclose the countries that purchased the UAVs, contract details, or types of drones.

“Loitering munitions have proven critical to achieving operational success on the battlefield worldwide. The flexibility in strikes that can be achieved with a loitering munition is a major advantage in combat and the type of precision reached is of strategic and national importance. The latest orders emphasize the trust in IAI’s loitering munitions family in bringing the required advantages to each country respectively” IAI’s President and CEO Boaz Levy said.

The Harop UAV. Photo credits: IAI.

In its announcement, the company mentioned Mini Harpy, Harpy, and Harop kamikaze drones, so it is likely that foreign buyers chose these drones.

It can be assumed that the drones were purchased by countries that already operate these UAVs. For example, Azerbaijan could have replenished its stockpile after the recent battles in Nagorno-Karabakh.

On September 14, Militarnyi reported that IAI had expanded its line of kamikaze drones.

Then the company presented the ROTEM Alpha Anti Tank Loitering Weapon. The drone is said to have great endurance both in the air and in a parking lot in standby mode.

Previously, on June 26, it was reported that IAI announced the signing of contracts for the supply of Rotem loitering munitions to several unnamed NATO countries.

The Harop UAV. Photo credits: IAI.

It was noted that the ordered unmanned systems were intended for use by the special forces of the customer countries.

In total, the company signed three separate agreements for the supply of ammunition and related services. The recipient countries of the systems were not disclosed.

The exact volume and value of the contracts were not disclosed either, but they were said to be in the “millions of dollars”.

Canada plans to provide over CAD 1 billion in military aid to Ukraine by 2026.

The relevant information is contained in the economic statement of the Canadian government.

Of this amount, CAD 816 million is allocated for 2023-2024, and CAD 515 million until 2026.

The Canadian government does not disclose the details of the aid, but it can be assumed that it is direct financial assistance for security and defense.

On November 10, Militarnyi reported that the Canadian government has asked Parliament to allocate CAD 500 million (about $385 million) for military aid to Ukraine.

It is noted that these funds will be used to “provide equipment and services to Ukraine in defense of its sovereignty, including firearms, cameras for drones, pilot training, and tank maintenance.”

The document also includes about $38.5 million for the Canadian military training mission, UNIFIER.

In September 2023, Canada allocated $24.5 million to a UK-led partnership that is purchasing air defense equipment for Ukraine.

This partnership aims to acquire hundreds of short- and medium-range air defense missiles and related systems.

Illustrative photo of loading military aid. Photo from open sources

In July, Canada announced a new military aid package to support Ukraine and strengthen transatlantic security.

The new funding for Ukraine builds on the over $8 billion in multifaceted assistance Canada has dedicated since the beginning of 2022.

This contribution will support NATO’s provision of non-lethal practical assistance to Ukraine through donations of material, including fuel, bridging equipment, rations, and first aid.

Ukrainian troops succeeded in destroying Russian equipment in the occupied village of Pershotravneve, in the Kharkiv region.

Soldiers of the 14th Mechanized Brigade conducted combat operations.

“Day and night, the soldiers are doing their job: clearly, efficiently, and qualitatively,” the military noted.

Despite Russian electronic warfare systems, a Ukrainian reconnaissance drone managed to fly into the area of an occupied village.

A reconnaissance drone spotted a Russian KAMAZ 43114 truck in the village. A 120-mm mortar later struck the vehicle.

Then a drone spotted an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) moving along the road near the village.

Destroyed Russian equipment near the village of Pershotravneve in the Kharkiv region. November 2023. Ukraine. Footage from the video of the 14th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The Ukrainian military needed several strikes to destroy it.

Pervomaisk is at the forefront of the Russian offensive in the Kupiansk sector.

Currently, Russian troops are continuing ground offensives on the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line and are completing the regrouping of forces in this area.

Presumably, the invaders try to block the logistics of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and reach Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi to impair the supply of everything necessary for the Ukrainian group in this area.

Pershotravneve on the map

The General Staff of Ukraine reported that Russian troops had unsuccessfully attacked territories near Synkivka and Ivanivka (20 km southeast of Kupiansk), northeast and east of Petropavlivka (7 km east of Kupiansk), and in the direction of Siversk (19 km south of Kreminna).

At the beginning of November 2023, Ukrainian troops defeated a Russian armored group that tried to advance in the Kharkiv region near the occupied Pershotravneve settlement.

The Ukrainian military destroyed a building with a heavy-lift Mammoth FPV drone in the left-bank Kherson region.

The drone developer, Escadrone, released a video of the drone in action.

A Ukrainian M2 unit used a Mammoth drone with a 4-kilogram warhead against a Russian position in the Kherson region.

The video shows that the power of the outboard charge of the drone was enough to demolish part of the wall on the second floor of the building.

The location of the Russian positions was geolocated (here) in the village of Krynky, located on the left bank of the Kherson region.

Presumably, the drone was launched by the operator from the right bank, i.e. 4-5 kilometers from the target’s location.

The site of the Mammoth FPV drone hit. Photo credits: DeepState map

Mammoth FPV drone

In late October 2023, in his interview with Business Censor, the founder of the Ukrainian drone manufacturer Escadrone said that Mammoth drones would be the future of their company.

The new drone can carry up to 4 kg of payload, which is twice as much as current production models on the market. With this payload, the drone can cover a distance of 12 kilometers. However, with a smaller 1.5 kg warhead, the maximum distance increases to 30 km.

The high performance of the drone is ensured by the larger size and power of the engines used.

Ukrainian heavy lift Mamont FPV drone. Photo credits: Escadrone

According to the developers, the Mammoth drone is expected to be the most expensive product in Escadrone’s drone lineup and will cost about $700 per board. For comparison, the average cost of a mass-market FPV drone is currently around $500.

According to the tail number, which was visible in the footage from the operator’s console, the new drone is only the fifth in the series, which indicates that it is only the beginning of its combat use on the front line.

A frame from the operator’s console of the Mammoth drone, which shows the serial number “005”

Recently, a Ukrainian FPV strike drone with an airburst warhead was also spotted on the frontline.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces have received boats from donors for operations on the left bank of the Kherson region.

Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, announced this.

Charitable organizations, volunteers, and Melitopol city officials contributed to the purchase of the boat.

In addition to the boats, they also donated engines for them and carriages for transportation.

According to the Head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, boats are an extremely necessary thing on the frontlines now, when heavy fighting is going on for every inch of Kherson land.

Boats of the Ukrainian military. November 2023. Ukraine. Photo credits: Oleksandr Prokudin

On November 17, Oleksandr Prokudin announced the transfer of eight modern landing boats with powerful engines to assault units of the Ukrainian Marine Corps.

On November 23, the Ukranian Territorial Defense Brigades received a batch of five such boats.

“The watercraft is versatile and will be useful for infantrymen, mortar crews, or grenade launcher crews,” said Prokudin.

It is stated that boats are capable of transporting people and cargo weighing more than 800 kilograms.

Boats of the Ukrainian military. November 2023. Ukraine. Photo credits: Oleksandr Prokudin

As previously reported, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces of Ukraine had secured several footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro River.

Currently, Ukrainian troops are continuing active combat operations on the left bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region.

Ukrainian soldiers on a boat cross the Dnipro River on the left bank of the Kherson region. 2023. Ukraine. Photo credits: Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian forces are also trying to destroy Russian logistics on the Oleshky-Nova Kakhovka highway. Such actions should make it more difficult for the Russians to redeploy reinforcements to respond to Ukrainian operations in the Kherson region.