Russian Ground Forces test new surprise strike Drone armed with two 82mm mortar munitions.

At the Army 2023 exhibition, the Russian military announced that they are testing a new strike drone named "Surprise," designed to serve the interests of the Ground Forces. Developed by Roboavia, the drone is capable of carrying two 82mm caliber mortar munitions, as revealed by Valentin Kiselev, the head of Roboavia's Moscow representative office.
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New "Surprise" Strike Drone Can Be Equipped with Two 82mm Mortar Munitions (Picture source: RIA Novosti )

The Russian army is testing a new strike drone named "Surprise," which can carry two 82mm caliber mortar munitions over a distance of 10km. It was showcased during the Army 2023 event in Moscow.

The "Surprise" drone boasts a significant payload capacity, and its testing phase is expected to conclude by the end of the year. Following successful tests, mass production and deployment to military units are slated for next year. The drone's design is akin to a quadcopter, which can be conveniently folded and transported in a backpack. Weighing in at 24kg, the device can lift a maximum payload of 7kg.

In its strike configuration, the drone can cover a distance of 10km, allowing it to deploy mines on enemy positions and still retain enough power to return to its base. However, the drone can also function as loitering ammunition, reaching a one-way range of 20km if the value or cost of the target justifies the potential loss of the device.

The drone's name, "Surprise," is apt given its reported stealth capabilities. Flying at an altitude of 400m, it remains virtually invisible and inaudible to adversaries. "The projectile seems to appear out of nowhere," Kiselev remarked. Constructed primarily from carbon fiber and plastic, the drone is challenging to detect on radar. Its electric motors ensure a minimal heat signature, and its uniquely designed propellers with curved tips reduce noise.

The 82mm mortar munitions are medium-sized mortar shells, widely used in modern conflicts. Each of these munitions weighs 3.1kg, with an explosive charge of 420g. They measure 345mm in total length. These shells are equipped with a safety wire that must be removed before launching to arm the munition. Once armed, these shells can be fired from mortars to hit distant targets. The explosive charge contained in these shells is sufficient to cause significant damage to structures and enemy personnel. They are particularly effective for supporting ground troops, attacking fortified positions, or suppressing the enemy in urban or mountainous areas.

Equipped with advanced technology, "Surprise" features a video camera, thermal imager, and ammunition drop correction system. It can be operated from a ground control station or simply with a joystick, offering flexibility in its deployment. This new drone might be seen in action during the conflict in Ukraine.