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American defense company Red Cat and its marine division Blue Ops have commenced full-scale serial production of the Variant 7 (V7) drones, which are essentially replicas of Ukraine’s Magura V7. Despite the clear origin, the manufacturer now presents the technology as their own invention, as reported by Defense Express.
Key takeaways:
- American defense company Red Cat has begun manufacturing Variant 7 (V7) drones, similar to Ukraine’s 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 developed “for mass production and configuration that meets 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 us that the V7 marine drone can rightfully be called a copy of the Ukrainian Magura V7, at least its prototypes/early versions – because when Red Cat entered the marine 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 marine drone left no doubt that it was indeed the Magura V7.
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According to experts, the final serial modification may still differ from the Ukrainian original due to details and internal components.
For instance, Red Cat reports that their V7 marine drone features an American complex of autonomous control, monitoring, communication, and mission execution systems, as well as components meeting US internal national security standards.
At the same time, it is noted that the Americans are fully replicating the Ukrainian modularity experience. Specifically, to counter long-range strike drones, the American V7 will be equipped with a smart Bullfrog turret. Additionally, autonomous swarm control systems from the acquired company Apium Swarm Robotics will be integrated into the drones.
By involving the firm HADDY and utilizing 3D printing, the manufacturer expects to double the production rate of the equipment, analysts observe.
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