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Ukraine Shoots Down Russian Rare $7 Million Armed “Forpost” Drone in High-Altitude Strike, Video

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
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Ukraine Shoots Down Russian Rare $7 Million Armed “Forpost” Drone in High-Altitude Strike, Video
Russian Forpost reconnaissance and strike drone moments before being hit by Ukrainian interceptor FPV drone, April 20. (Source: 414th Separate UAV Brigade)

Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down a Russian “Forpost” reconnaissance and strike drone — a rare, Israeli-designed UAV worth an estimated $7 million — at an altitude of 4 kilometers (13,000 feet), according to a video released by the commander of Ukraine’s 414th Separate UAV Brigade on April 20.

The “Forpost”, a licensed Russian copy of Israel’s IAI Searcher Mk II, is equipped for both reconnaissance and precision strike missions. It can carry guided munitions, such as KAB-20 aerial bombs, which are laser-guided via the drone’s main electro-optical targeting system.

The interception took place at a relatively high altitude, marking a notable feat for the Ukrainian FPV drone that engaged it — believed to have been operated by the “Topota PM” unit.

While the exact model used in the intercept remains unknown, the Ukrainian drone successfully struck the “Forpost’s” elevator control surface, likely rendering it inoperable.

The damaged UAV reportedly glided across the border into Russia’s Kursk region, where it is believed to have crashed.

The “Forpost” system includes both the drone and a ground control station. Originally produced from Israeli parts under a $300 million deal signed in 2010, Russia began assembling these drones domestically at the Kazan Helicopter Plant and later the Ural Civil Aviation Plant.

Equipped with electro-optical and infrared cameras, the UAV can operate day and night. It boasts a flight range of up to 250 km with directional antenna support and can remain airborne for up to 18 hours.

In 2019, Russia introduced the “Forpost-R” — an upgraded version featuring the domestic APD-85 engine. While this version is heavier (500 kg) and has a lower max altitude (5 km), it’s capable of carrying light munitions like the KAB-20. However, its strike effectiveness has been questioned by military analysts.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces from the 66th Mechanized Brigade “Prince Mstyslav the Brave” destroyed a rare Russian engineering vehicle used to deploy temporary roadways—marking the first confirmed loss of such equipment since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

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