Russia Unveils Forpost-RE UAV for Global Market at IDEX 2025

Russia made a significant move at IDEX 2025 by presenting the Forpost-RE unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the first time on the international stage. Showcased at the JSC Rosboronexport booth, this medium-range UAV marks a major shift in Russian drone capabilities, signaling the country’s push to expand its defense exports.

The Forpost-RE has an interesting history. Originally based on the Israeli Searcher II UAV and produced under license by the Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UZGA), it has since undergone a complete transformation. Now, Russia claims the Forpost-R is an entirely indigenous design, with all foreign components replaced by Russian-made systems, including avionics, communication, navigation, and control units.

Designed for versatility, the UAV carries multiple payload options. It features a gyrostabilized platform with a thermal imaging camera, a color video camera, and a high-resolution photo camera. Additionally, it can be equipped with electronic warfare (EW) sensors for radiofrequency monitoring, enhancing its battlefield surveillance capabilities.

Russia has been deploying Forpost UAVs since 2015, initially for reconnaissance missions in Syria. More recently, since 2022, it has played a key role in Ukraine as both a surveillance and strike drone. At IDEX 2025, the displayed Forpost-RE model hinted at its offensive potential, showcasing four KAB-20 guided munitions mounted on two hardpoints under each wing. The UAV’s developers are reportedly working on integrating loitering munitions and expanding its strike capabilities.

Beyond attack and reconnaissance roles, the Forpost-R can also function as a communications relay, extending the range of ground units. Additionally, a version equipped with onboard radar has been developed to track moving targets and provide targeting data for both land and naval forces.

Structurally, the Forpost-R follows a conventional UAV design, featuring a high-wing configuration, a twin-tail boom, and a rear-mounted internal combustion engine with a pusher propeller. It has a fixed tricycle landing gear and a maximum take-off weight of 500 kg. With a wingspan of 10.5 meters and a length of 6.9 meters, the UAV can stay airborne for up to 18 hours, reaching altitudes of 20,000 feet.

The Forpost-RE, designated for export, closely resembles the Russian military’s Forpost-R. However, minor differences were observed between the two models—particularly, the export version seen at IDEX 2025 lacked some EW payloads and featured a different propeller design compared to the variant displayed at Russia’s Army 2024 expo. Despite the lack of specific details, the Forpost-RE’s debut signals Russia’s intention to introduce its advanced UAVs to foreign markets, targeting Middle Eastern and other potential buyers looking for combat-proven aerial systems.