U.S. Army tests Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels as drone carriers

The US Army's 7th Infantry Division tested Ukrainian-built Magura uncrewed surface vessels as launch platforms for aerial drones during Bayonet Quest 26 in Michigan. Conducted from September 26 to October 6, the exercise explored autonomous systems and crewed-uncrewed maritime operations, including work alongside a Mk VI patrol boat. Photographs show the UFORCE-built boats carrying a forward-deck platform from which drones could take off, but the Army did not identify the specific Magura variant, aircraft type or number of boats. The demonstration follows a separate April 2026 Balikatan exercise in which Magura vessels struck a decommissioned target ship.