Ukraine has revealed a new type of unmanned surface vessel designed to function as a miniature "aircraft carrier" for drones and autonomous systems. The vessel, designated Magura MV11, made its public debut at a military parade in Kyiv marking the country's Independence Day, where developers described it as a maritime platform built from the ground up to transport, deploy, and launch unmanned aerial vehicles.
Unlike the explosive-laden kamikaze boats that have become synonymous with Ukraine's Black Sea campaign, the MV11 represents a more sophisticated approach. Manufactured by Ukrainian company UFORCE, it is a larger, multi-mission vessel intended to operate as a mobile maritime base, carrying drones, launching them toward targets, and supporting sustained operations far from shore, all without any human crew aboard.
According to published specifications, the vessel measures approximately seven meters in length, can carry up to 2,200 kilograms of payload, and is capable of autonomous operation for up to seven days. The manufacturer presents it as a platform adapted for open-sea operations, not merely short coastal raids.
The operational significance of such a vessel lies in extending the range of smaller drones. Rather than launching them only from land bases or crewed ships, drones can be brought closer to operational zones via an autonomous vessel, then deployed against maritime targets, coastal infrastructure, or air defense systems.
In footage from the unveiling, the MV11 was shown carrying 18 small Sting interceptors designed for vertical launch against drones. Such a configuration could transform the vessel into a floating, miniature defense battery intended to protect unmanned naval forces from aerial drone attacks.
