Footage has appeared online showing the Russian military demonstrating heavy drones of their own design. The devices, distinguished by their impressive size and payload capacity, are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, including reconnaissance, surveillance, cargo delivery and, presumably, strikes against ground targets.
The heavy drones "Zvezda" and "Solntse" were developed and assembled by one of the units of the "Sever" group of troops. The drones are based on converted agricultural drones.
The payload capacity of "Zvezda" is 6 kilograms, "Solntse" is 10 kg, with a planned increase to 15 kg.
The military notes that due to the high price, shortage of spare parts, and risk of losses, the Russian military is transitioning to independent production of heavy drones. They assemble them from available components, striving for minimal costs to provide themselves with the necessary equipment.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that tests of the Arbalet FPV drone with an AKS-74U assault rifle were shown on video.