Share Source: Defense Express
The American defense company Red Cat and its maritime division Blue Ops have commenced full-scale serial production of the Variant 7 (V7) unmanned aerial vehicles, which are essentially replicas of Ukraine’s Magura V7. Despite the obvious origin, the manufacturer now presents the equipment as their own invention, according to Defense Express.
Key points:
- American defense company Red Cat has started producing Variant 7 (V7) drones, similar to Ukraine’s Magura V7.
- The manufacturer emphasizes that the drones were developed and manufactured 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 configuration that aligns with 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 maritime drone can rightfully be called a copy of Ukraine’s Magura V7, at least its prototypes/early versions. This is because when Red Cat entered the maritime drone market in May 2025, they explicitly spoke of collaboration with a manufacturer whose developments are tested daily in real combat conditions. The technical specifications released for 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 specific details and internal components.
For instance, Red Cat reports that their V7 maritime drone is equipped with an American suite of autonomous control, monitoring, communication, and mission execution systems, as well as components that meet internal US national security standards.
Simultaneously, it is noted that the Americans are fully replicating the Ukrainian experience with modularity. Specifically, to counter long-range strike drones, the American V7 will feature the intelligent 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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