Share Source: Defense Express
American defense company Red Cat and its maritime division Blue Ops have commenced full-scale serial production of the Variant 7 (V7) drones, which are essentially copies of the Ukrainian Magura V7. Despite the evident origin, the manufacturer now presents the technology as their own invention, reports Defense Express.
Key points:
- American defense company Red Cat has begun producing Variant 7 (V7) drones, similar to the Ukrainian Magura V7.
- The manufacturer emphasizes that the drones were developed and produced in the USA and comply with national security standards.
USA Creates a Copy of the Ukrainian Magura V7 Drone
As stated by the division’s president, Barry Hinckley, this model was designed “for mass production and a configuration that matches the tasks facing our clients.”
Furthermore, company releases consistently highlight that the drone was “designed, built, and assembled in the United States.”
Defense Express reminds readers that the V7 maritime drone can rightly be called a copy of the Ukrainian Magura V7, at least in its prototypes/early versions – because when Red Cat entered the maritime drone market in May 2025, they spoke directly about cooperation with a manufacturer whose developments are tested daily in real combat conditions. The disclosed technical specifications of the maritime drone left no doubt that it was indeed the Magura V7.
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According to experts, the final serial modification might still differ from the Ukrainian original due to details and internal components.
For instance, Red Cat explains that their V7 maritime drone features an American complex of autonomous control, monitoring, communication, and task execution systems, as well as components that meet internal US national security standards.
At the same time, it is noted that the Americans are fully replicating the Ukrainian experience of modularity. Specifically, to counter long-range strike drones, the American V7 will be equipped with the smart Bullfrog turret. Additionally, autonomous swarm control systems from the acquired company Apium Swarm Robotics will be integrated into the drones.
By engaging the firm HADDY and utilizing 3D printing, the manufacturer expects to double the production rate of the equipment, analysts observe.
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