Russian forces are testing a new reconnaissance drone, the Sibiryachok-5, in the special military operation zone, according to the Narodny Front, which shared the details with TASS.

The Sibiryachok-5 is designed for aerial surveillance. It records video of terrain, operates at distances of up to 20 kilometers, and can climb to altitudes of 1,000 meters. The drone is capable of identifying targets — including personnel, civilian vehicles, and armored equipment — and can carry a payload weighing up to 4 kilograms. Its endurance reaches 60 minutes on a single battery and up to 90 minutes when equipped with two.

Representatives of the Narodny Front noted that this model marks the fifth generation in the Sibiryachok line. The previous version, the Sibiryachok-4, became widely used in the troops, with roughly 16,000 units delivered. The latest modification is currently being trialed in small groups within specialized units, while full-scale serial production is scheduled to begin in 2026.

Developers have emphasized the drone’s high degree of localization. According to the Narodny Front, 95 percent of its components are domestically produced. A company representative explained that the circuit boards are manufactured in-house, making production independent of sanctions and external suppliers. Certain elements — such as chips, resistors, and other electronic components — are still purchased separately but installed internally. The motors are also produced by the company itself, which, as the representative stated, cuts their cost by two to three times without sacrificing performance. The remaining imported parts are expected to be replaced with domestic alternatives in 2026.

In the company’s assessment, the Sibiryachok-5 outperforms foreign drones in its class.