Last time, when Defense Express discussed the challenges of launching an AIM-9M from the Magura V7, we explained how the missile size can help estimate the drone’s overall dimensions and noted that the Magura V7, configured for two AIM-9 missiles, was approximately 30% larger than the Magura V5, which was adapted for the R-73.
But how big a surface drone must be to carry not just two, but four AIM-9 missiles, along with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun? The answer was found out by Army Recognition reporters at the presentation of the Seawolf — a new Ukrainian development that highlights how drones need to grow larger the more sophisticated their becomes their kit and role.
Read more: Analysts on Ukraine's Magura V7 Drone Size and the Challenge of Firing AIM-9 Missiles
Seawolf is a new unmanned surface vehicle unveiled by Nordex at the DEFEA 2025 defense exhibition in Greece. According to the manufacturer, the drone is modular and can be tailored for different missions, including air defense, mine-laying, electronic warfare, radar surveillance, and UAV launch support. Nordex also claims a production capacity of up to 25 Seawolf units per month.
In its base configuration, the Seawolf measures 7.5 meters in length and 2.2 meters in width, with a total weight of 1,650 kilograms, including a 450 kg payload or warhead. It has an operational range of up to 1,600 kilometers, powered by a 270-horsepower diesel engine and 1,400 liters of fuel.
Besides the general purpose variant, Nordex also presented the concept for the Seawolf Extended Platform: a larger, more capable version designed specifically to carry four AIM-9 missiles and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. The available specifications say this extended version will have a total weight of 4,000 kilograms, a hull length of 9.5 meters, and operate in a 1,500-kilometer range.
Although the Seawolf Extended Platform remains in the conceptual stage, the broader trend is clear: as the roles of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) become more complex, their physical dimensions must grow to match the mission demands.
Defense Express also notes that despite the Nordex company being reported as originating from Ukraine, on the DEFEA website it's listed as a participant from Latvia, while Ukraine's participation is unclear. Other media resources, meanwhile, describe Seawolf as a Ukrainian development, too, although a different manufacturer name — the Ekskalibur company — appears in reports and images. These details likely suggest a collaboration between the Ukrainian and Latvian enterprises.
Read more: What the Magura V7 Drone’s Strike on a russian Su-30 Revealed: Ukraine’s Independent Integration of AIM-9 Missiles Into Air Defense and More
