The GUR special unit successfully employs maritime platforms to strike aerial and ground targets
The commander of the GUR MO Ukraine special unit Group 13, call sign Trinadtsatyi, discussed the functional expansion of Magura maritime drones. Beyond striking ships, these platforms are now used as carriers for heavy copters. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.
The evolution of Magura maritime platform deployment has allowed Ukrainian intelligence officers to move beyond destroying enemy vessels in the Black Sea. According to the commander of the Group 13 special unit with the call sign Trinadtsatyi, a new phase of operation involves equipping drones with heavy copters to attack occupier ground and aerial targets.
Expanding functional capabilities
The integration process of new strike assets began back in June, when specialists decided to focus on utilizing heavy unmanned vehicles. The unit commander noted that although some combat results have already been disclosed in the media, a significant portion of operations remains classified due to the specific nature of intelligence work.
Liquidation of Russian aviation
The interview also revealed new details about an operation in December 2024, when Russian helicopters were successfully destroyed over the Black Sea for the first time. The strikes resulted in the liquidation of two aircraft along with their crews, including machine gunners and FPV drone operators on board.
A third helicopter sustained damage but managed to land at an airfield. Analysis of intercepted communications indicates significant psychological pressure on the Russian army personnel following these losses.
Technological experience for European security
The Group 13 commander emphasized the critical importance of technological dominance in modern combat. He expressed his conviction that the experience gained by Armed Forces of Ukraine units in fighting the aggressor is unique for the security architecture of the entire European region.
According to the intelligence officer, preparation for threats cannot be postponed to the future, as an operative response to war challenges determines defense effectiveness. He also noted that the Ukrainian army is currently the most combat-ready force in Europe, whose experience should serve as a foundation for international partners.
Illustrative photo: photo User:Zenwort / CC BY-SA 4.0
