The mystery surrounding the unmanned vessel discovered by fishermen in waters off Lefkada has taken on a new dimension, as drone specialists estimate that the craft seen in the video bears strong similarities to the Ukrainian-made naval drone MAGURA V5.

According to analysts specializing in unmanned systems, the vessel appears to be an advanced USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle), which has been widely used in the war in Ukraine for reconnaissance missions as well as high-precision attacks against Russian targets in the Black Sea.

The black vessel found by fishermen in Lefkada

It is recalled that the black speedboat was reportedly found inside a cave, with its engine still running, according to thespotlight.gr. The upper section carried special sensors, antennas, and advanced communications equipment.

The fishermen tied it up and towed it to the port of Vasiliki, before it was later collected by the Hellenic Coast Guard.

The characteristics of the MAGURA V5

Experts describe the MAGURA V5 as one of the most advanced naval drones to appear on the modern battlefield in recent years. It is about 5.5 meters long and can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h, with an operational range approaching 800 kilometers.

It also features a low profile and stealth-oriented design, making it significantly harder to detect by radar and thermal surveillance systems.

According to published technical specifications, the drone can carry an explosive payload of up to 320 kilograms, while newer versions are reportedly adapted even for carrying R-73 air-to-air missiles. The same sources note that MAGURA V5 drones have played a decisive role in Ukrainian operations against the Russian fleet.

The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) has stated that within roughly 18 months, drones of this type participated in attacks against 18 Russian vessels, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Among the best-known attacks attributed to the MAGURA V5 are the sinking of the missile boat Ivanovets in February 2024, the landing ship Caesar Kunikov, and the patrol ship Sergei Kotov a few weeks later.

Attention was also drawn by Ukrainian claims that a modified version of the MAGURA V5 shot down a Russian Mil Mi-8 near Crimea in late 2024.

How such a vessel may have ended up off the coast of Lefkada remains unknown for now, while authorities are examining all possible scenarios regarding its origin and route.

It is worth noting, however, that Greece and Ukraine have already announced cooperation in the development and production of naval drones, with plans that also involve Greek shipyards.