Ukrainian paratroopers take out $7.5M Russian Forpost drone
Ukrainian paratroopers neutralized a Forpost drone (Photo: wikimedia.org)
Ukrainian paratroopers destroyed a Russian reconnaissance drone worth $7.5 million over the Sumy region, according to the Telegram of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces.
“Recently, paratroopers spotted an enemy Forpost drone conducting reconnaissance over Ukrainian Defense Forces positions. The hostile UAV was immediately destroyed,” the Air Assault Forces reported.
It was noted that this ‘Forpost’ reconnaissance UAV is the second one shot down by the 80th Brigade’s air defense units. The first drone was also downed over the Sumy region by the Halych paratroopers in summer 2025.
What is known about the Forpost drone
The Russian Forpost reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicle is a licensed version of the Israeli IAI Searcher Mk II, originally developed by Israel Aerospace Industries.
In 2010, Russia signed a $300 million contract to assemble these UAVs using Israeli components at the Kazan Helicopter Plant.
Starting in 2012, the Ural Civil Aviation Plant launched production of partially localized systems under the name Forpost, including the drone and a ground control station.
The UAV is equipped with electro‑optical and thermal imaging systems, allowing it to operate both day and night. Its maximum range is 250 km with a directional antenna, and its endurance can last up to 18 hours.
In 2019, Russia unveiled an upgraded version, Forpost‑R, fitted with the domestically produced APD‑85 engine. The drone’s maximum takeoff weight increased to 500 kg, though its operational ceiling was reduced to 5 km.
The Forpost can carry lightweight aerial munitions, including KAB‑20 guided bombs, which use laser target designation for guidance.
Ukrainian paratroopers take out $7.5M Russian Forpost drone#RussiaUkraineWarhttps://t.co/SDj5SY8Eu6 pic.twitter.com/pQEagLhHKl
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) January 21, 2026
Recently, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have struck a number of Russian targets in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. Among the hits were a command post and the location of Russian GRU (Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation) special forces.
In addition, operators of the Unmanned Systems Forces recently targeted several air defense facilities, a drone storage site, and other Russian positions on the occupied territories. Notably, another Nebo radar system was destroyed during these operations.
