@beyondmilitary

Following the publication of this video, several viewers rightfully questioned our identification of the missile used by Ukraine’s Magura drone boats to shoot down Russian aircraft. 

To clarify:
On May 4, 2025, Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s GUR, told The War Zone that “GUR shot down two Su-30 Flanker multirole fighters with AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missiles fired by Magura drone boats.” This official statement expanded the initial claim from one Russian aircraft to two and specifically identified the American-made AIM-9 Sidewinder, not a legacy Soviet model, as the missile used.
This follows a post by the Kyiv Independent that states the two Russian jets were shot down in separate engagements across the Black Sea, and Russian speculation that a legacy Soviet missile was used.
Budanov further stated: “We use a couple of models [of missiles] on our Magura, but the best results [come from] the AIM-9,” indicating that Ukraine still equips its drones with multiple missile types including legacy Soviet missiles like it did during a confirmed shootdown of a Russian helicopter in 2024.
While adapting the Sidewinder, a missile originally designed for aircraft, to a maritime drone is a complex engineering feat, it is technically feasible, especially considering prior adaptations of the AIM-9 for land-based platforms like NASAMS. The successful use of such missiles on a moving sea drone platform would require advanced stabilization, custom fire control software, and rapid integration, but Ukrainian engineers have repeatedly demonstrated remarkable innovation under pressure.

We acknowledge that initial reports were conflicting. Our initial conclusion was based on the best available information at the time and our assumption of known Ukrainian capabilities with the information we had when we made the video. However, as of May 4, 2025, the most credible and direct source, Ukraine’s own military intelligence chief, attributes both victories to the AIM-9 Sidewinder.

Below are some of the sources we relied upon for our initial research:
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-shot-down-russian-fighter-jet-sea-drone-first-time-2025-05-03/
https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-intelligence-says-sea-drone-downs-russian-fighter-jet-in-world-first-strike/
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/51994

@vitaliolijnik2799

The Magura 7 sea drone which shot down the Su-30M over the Black Sea was equipped with a Sidewinder air-to-air missile and not a manpad launcher, as the video maintains. This has been confirmed by the Ukrainian military intelligence chief, Budanov.

@184Kitkat

No, the Russian pilots do NOT get a warning that they are locked since IR seekers are passive. This is also why we see no evasive actions from the aircraft. They didnt see it coming.

@Robboa1

I wonder if parking another drone along the return route, to intercept a helicopter would cause them to think twice about chasing the first drone. The helicopter is flying low and slow, and would be a sitting duck.

@robertc5292

Anybody else kinda sad the drone didn't make it home to his drone buddies?

@SeñorSeedling

Ukrainians have shown a consistent ability to adapt and improve any asset and leverage it to full it to full effect.

@RafaelSantos-wp2yb

They do a lot with a limited resources,and have brave soldiers with ice in the veins...

@commonsense31

Ukraine are seriously become the best drone manufacturers in the world.

@machdaddy6451

Wow! Ingenuous!

@binhquang9802

This video makes it clear that modern warfare is evolving faster than I can keep up. Seeing a drone take down a Su27 with such precision and stealth is both impressive and a little terrifying. What’s next—robots fighting our battles?

@TheKiwiooo

Outstanding ingenuity and stalking. Boom! Must be an ole fisherman. <3

@josephshultz6726

Congrats to the admirable Ukraine forces.  Can this be accomplished on a larger scale?

@dmarkieb

The graphic of the MANPAD is backwards, the rocket is shown shooting the rocket is shooting out of the rear of the launch tube. Also a stinger would elevate to be a few degrees above the intended target.

@MrAnders9000

Please don’t diss my Toyota Corolla

@Intotheout.

whoever did this video here did a phenomenal job. very intriguing, and informative.. impressive what these men are capable of doing with technology, but how evil it has become. Very well done.

@skuffbuzzer

Great report! Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

@marksmith9176

If they could make it submersible to 3 meters would be a game changer.

@chrisgraham2904

I assume this is a staggering win for Ukraine considering the cost value of the sea drone compared to the Russian fighter jet.

@mabotyin

First of all, the Magura wasn’t using a manpad. The drone is equipped with AIM 9 sidewinder and is equipped with 2 of them

@jeromebarry1741

When this SMO began I was working at a high tech American company.  I told a co-worker that this war would be a revolution in military actions as both countries would have the drone innovations and experiences of the Azerbaijan-Armenia war a few years before.  He, even though he was very intelligent, had been unaware of the history of anti-armor drones and was unable to anticipate that such developments as this would be seen.  AI controlled wooden suicide drones from Germany are already in the fight.