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Ukraine Downs $600,000 Worth of Rare Russian “Merlin-VR” Recon Drones in Half an Hour, Video
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukrainian Armed Forces utilized anti-air FPV drones to destroy two of Russia’s most advanced surveillance drones, with the Come Back Alive Foundation, which provides targeted support to Ukraine’s military, releasing video footage showing a crew from its “Dronopad” project downing two Russian “Merlin-VR” drones, worth $300 thousand each in just 30 minutes on April 25.
“Merlin-VR” was presented by the Russian Research Institute of Modern Telecommunication Technologies in 2021. The drone is manufactured at a facility in Smolensk, Russia.
According to open sources, the drone can stay airborne for up to 10 hours and reach altitudes of 5 kilometers (approximately 16,400 feet). This far exceeds the capabilities of Russia’s usual “Supercam” and “ZALA” drones.
The “Merlin-VR” can carry a payload of 6.5 kilograms, which allows it to be equipped with a powerful electro-optical module. The drone is also equipped with a hybrid powertrain, which provides it with low acoustic visibility.
It remains unclear whether the Merlin-VR ever entered full-scale production or how many of these drones Russia has deployed. However, the Come Back Alive Foundation reported that more than 12 Merlin drones have already been shot down under the Dronopad initiative.
The “Merlin-VR” is considered one of the most expensive reconnaissance drones in the Russian arsenal, with an estimated cost of around $300,000 each.
Earlier, Ukrainian air defense units from the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade taken down Russia’s most expensive reconnaissance drone, the Merlin-VR, and also eliminated a Supercam UAV in the Lyman sector.
“A $500 drone takes down a $300,000 wing. Absolute legends!” Ukrainian defenders quipped in the post.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
