Ukrainian drone operators from the Unmanned Systems Forces have destroyed one of russia's most expensive reconnaissance UAVs, the rare Merlin-VR, during operations on the eastern front. The strike was carried out by operators of the Phoenix border guard unit, which continues to target high-value russian aerial assets supporting frontline operations.
Merlin-VR system is considered an uncommon target on the battlefield due to both its limited production numbers and high cost. According to open-source estimates, a single system may cost more than $300,000, making its loss particularly significant for russian reconnaissance capabilities.
Read more: Ukrainian FP-1/2 Drones Now Hunt russian Mobile Fire Groups With Unguided Rockets
The UAV was first unveiled in 2021 by russia's Research Institute of Modern Telecommunication Technologies as part of efforts to modernize tactical battlefield surveillance.
Designed for both automatic and semi-automatic missions, Merlin-VR system serves as a dedicated aerial reconnaissance platform. Its primary tasks include locating Ukrainian positions, adjusting artillery fire, and monitoring troop and equipment movements in real time.
Such drones play a crucial role in improving the accuracy of russian strikes and maintaining battlefield awareness.
As Defense Express previously reported, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces carried out new middle strike attacks against russian air defense systems and logistical infrastructure in temporarily occupied Donetsk region.
Read more: Ukrainian Drones Hit russian PRV-16 and P-18 Radars, Fuel Depot, Arsenal, and Troop Positions in Donetsk (Video)
