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Since the onset of large-scale warfare, reconnaissance and attack drones have become pivotal in modern military strategies. The “Forpost-RU” drone, a Russian-enhanced version of the Israeli IAI Searcher II, exemplifies this well. This device has proven effective in both reconnaissance and attack roles due to the integration of new light guided munitions.
Forpost -RU flying with KAB-20 under wing ( top), Russian weapon specialist fixing KAB-20 under Forpost-RU UAV ( bottom) during coordinated strike on September 9th, near Kursk. (Picture source: Russian fighters)
The Forpost-RU is a significant example of how military technology can evolve and adapt in response to a country’s tactical and strategic needs. This reconnaissance and attack drone is based on the Israeli IAI Searcher II model, which has been widely used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The Forpost-RU resulted from a licensing agreement between Russia and Israel, allowing Russia to acquire the Searcher II drone technology. In 2010, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) entered an agreement with Russia for the licensed production of these drones. This partnership was crucial for Russia, aiming to modernize and enhance its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Following the initial agreement, production was localized in Russia under the name Forpost, a version almost identical to the Israeli Searcher II. Localizing production allowed Russia to benefit from technology and skills transfer, leading to the adaptation and enhancement of the device to specifically meet the requirements of the Russian armed forces.
The development of the Forpost-RU marked a significant evolution from its predecessor. By integrating more advanced technologies and armaments, such as adapting to carry light guided munitions like the KAB-20 bombs, the Forpost-RU has transformed into a more versatile platform capable of performing both reconnaissance and attack missions.
The “Forpost-RU” operates at a medium altitude, capable of staying airborne between 16 and 18 hours, allowing it to conduct extended surveillance and strike missions. Equipped with an 85 horsepower piston engine, the АПД-85, it can reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h, with a cruising speed ranging from 120 to 160 km/h. These characteristics make it ideal for various missions, ranging from reconnaissance to precise attacks.
The recent adaptation of the “Forpost-RU” to carry KAB-20 bombs marks a significant evolution in its combat role. These light guided munitions are designed for precise strikes, thus providing increased attack capability without the need for heavy aerial support. This integration represents a notable evolution in military strategy, aiming to maximize the effectiveness of strikes while minimizing risks to equipment and personnel.
The KAB-20 is a light guided bomb specifically designed to be deployed from reconnaissance and attack drones, like the Forpost-RU. Weighing approximately 20 kilograms and measuring 1.2 meters long with a diameter of 130 mm, this munition is optimized for use on UAV platforms where payload capacity is limited. It is equipped with an advanced guidance system that combines GPS with inertial sensors to allow for increased precision in striking targets. This guidance technology makes the KAB-20 particularly suited for hitting mobile or semi-mobile targets with high precision, thereby minimizing collateral damage and enhancing the effectiveness of strategic strikes. The effective range of the KAB-20 primarily depends on the altitude from which it is dropped, but it is designed to precisely strike targets several kilometers away, allowing drones like the Forpost-RU to remain out of reach of enemy air defense systems while conducting effective strikes.
The use of the “Forpost-RU” in the Kursk region, particularly against the fortifications of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (FAU) in the village of Snagost, illustrates the tactical impact of this platform. The ability to conduct precise and sustained strikes from a distance is a major asset in the current context where control of the skies is paramount.
The “Forpost-RU” drone, with its capabilities extended by carrying KAB-20 bombs, represents a significant technological advancement for modern warfare. It embodies the continuous adaptation of armed forces to the evolving theater of war, where technology and innovation play a crucial role. The successes recorded in the Kursk region attest to its operational effectiveness, making it a key element in the Russian military arsenal.