Russia Markets “Sanction-Proof” Combat Forpost Drone Based on Israeli Tech

Russia has officially introduced the Forpost-RE unmanned aerial vehicle for export at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The drone, which originated as a licensed version of Israel’s IAI Searcher Mk II, has been fully localized with Russian-made components and is being promoted as free from international sanctions, Defence Blog reported.

According to Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UZGA), the drone’s manufacturer, the Forpost-RE was developed using only domestic systems and is ready for international customers.

In a promotional statement, UZGA emphasized that the UAV’s “competitive advantage” lies in its independence from foreign components and its “many years of successful experience in zones of real combat operations.”

The Forpost-RE is positioned as a multi-role platform suitable for both reconnaissance and strike missions in a variety of environments. UZGA stated that the aircraft can operate in temperatures ranging from –40°C to +50°C, perform autonomous takeoffs and landings without reliance on satellite navigation, and deliver both guided and unguided munitions.

The manufacturer highlighted the drone’s automatic landing system, which uses “laser radiation and runway video monitoring” in the absence of GPS signals.

According to Defence Blog, recent upgrades have expanded the payload options available for the Forpost-RE, allowing the system to be tailored for different mission types or customer preferences.

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“If needed by foreign clients, specialists of UZGA are ready to equip the Forpost‑RE export complex with new payloads that interest the buyer,” the company said.

Originally based on Israel’s IAI Searcher Mk II, the Forpost drone was produced in Russia under a licensed agreement until 2014, when cooperation was halted. Despite the end of the partnership, Russia continued development of the platform independently.

Defence Blog notes that the new export push appears aimed at clients seeking affordable UAV capabilities without the risk of violating Western sanctions. The system has been fielded by Russian forces in Syria, Ukraine, and other theaters, with UZGA citing its operational history as a key marketing point.

Earlier, Russia released new footage of its Su‑57 fighter showing two Kh‑58 anti‑radiation missiles inside the jet’s forward weapons bay, a configuration highlighted just days before the Dubai Airshow 2025.

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