RuAviation

At the IDEX 2025 International Defence Exhibition, the Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UZGA) showcased an export version of the Forpost reconnaissance-strike UAV. This drone, already proven in combat, continues to evolve, receiving new features and improvements. In particular, developers are considering equipping the Forpost with a side-looking radar and loitering munitions.

One key area of Forpost modernisation is the installation of compact X-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. These side-looking radars are capable of conducting radar reconnaissance of ground and surface targets, classifying moving targets, and providing targeting data for precision-guided munitions, such as Kalibr missiles.

In Syria, the Forpost was actively used for reconnaissance and precision strikes against militant positions. Its ability to operate in the face of strong electronic warfare (EW) and air defence (AD) countermeasures proved its effectiveness in Ukraine. The Forpost is used to monitor troop movements and strike critical infrastructure belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). Thanks to its modular design, the UAV can quickly adapt to various tasks, making it a versatile tool in modern combat conditions.

In its current configuration, the UAV can carry guided missiles and glide bombs, such as Kh-BP, KAB-20, and UPAB-50S, allowing for effective engagement of both stationary and moving targets, including armoured vehicles. However, developers continue to refine the Forpost’s design. One potential addition under consideration is equipping the Forpost with loitering munitions. UZGA hasn’t specified the type of drones, but these could be innovative products from ZALA, such as the Lancet series: existing or future models, with the capability of launch from a transport and launch container (TLC).

Crews operating the Forpost highly rate its combat characteristics and operational flexibility. The system continues to develop, gaining new capabilities such as operation in radio and radar frequency bands, enabling high-precision monitoring and strikes. In modern conflicts, where reconnaissance and precision strikes are paramount, the Forpost remains one of the most promising UAVs in the arsenal of the Russian Armed Forces.