Ukrainian Defence Forces shoot down Russia's latest ZALA reconnaissance drone.

Ukrainian volunteer Serhiy Sternenko has released a video showing the destruction of the Russian army's new ZALA Z-20 reconnaissance drone, bringing the total number of drones destroyed to over 115, including recently unveiled Russian drones freshly deployed.
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Presentation picture of ZALA Z-20 UAV  (Picture source:ZALA AERO GROUP )

The published footage shows a Ukrainian FPV drone taking down a new type of Russian drone developed by ZALA Aero.

The first samples of the new ZALA Z-20 drone were introduced in 2023, and today the enemy is already actively using it for reconnaissance over Ukraine. According to official information from the manufacturer, the Z-20 can fly over a distance of more than 100 km and stay in the air for more than 6 hours on patrol mode. It weighs 18 kg and is equipped with an HD camera that allows it to detect and identify targets over long distances. It is noteworthy that the new drone is also used to guide Lancet attack drones and to act as a communication relay.

More than a hundred Russian drones have been destroyed using modified drones designed to intercept aerial targets, purchased with donations from international volunteers. These include common Russian military drones such as Supercam S350, ZALA 421-16E, and Orlan-10. The Russians have used them to reconnoiter the front line and rear areas of Ukraine, adjust artillery systems, and spot ammunition.

The modernized FPV drones, equipped with an explosive charge, usually perform the interception itself. However, it is known that some armies also practice other methods of takedown, such as ramming.

It should be noted that Russian operators of unmanned systems have already begun adapting to the new threat and have started applying camouflage patterns to the bodies of drones, although no photos are available at this time. The goal is to make it more difficult to detect the aircraft from the ground. However, it is not yet clear how effective this camouflage solution is. It is observed that a significant number of interceptors are equipped with a digital data channel and a high-resolution camera, allowing for reconnaissance at considerable distances.

Interception of a Russian ZALA Z-20 by a Ukrainian FPV drone ( Picture source: video capture from Serhiy Sternenko )