Russian marines have reported the destruction of a Ukrainian Jupiter-N3 drone on the Dobropolye section of the front in the Donetsk People’s Republic. According to RIA Novosti, which cited servicemen from a marine unit of the Center group of forces, the aircraft was an expensive strike-and-reconnaissance UAV.

A commander of an anti-aircraft missile platoon in the 61st Guards Brigade said the drone belongs to one of the costlier categories of unmanned aircraft. Its key feature is range: the Jupiter-N3 can reportedly fly up to 1,000 kilometers. The officer said the target first appeared on the radar system as an unusual mark. Air-defense crews had not previously dealt with this particular model, which made the object immediately stand out.

The UAV was hit by the Voron crew. Afterward, Russian servicemen identified the aircraft type and added its parameters to the radar station’s recognition system.

A serviceman using the call sign Grek said targets of this kind draw particular attention from air-defense teams. Large, expensive enemy drones are viewed as especially valuable targets, and destroying one is regarded by the crews as a significant result.

The Jupiter-N3, also known as Jupiter Hunter-3, is a strike-and-reconnaissance drone with vertical takeoff capability. It has a wingspan of almost five meters, can cover up to 1,000 kilometers, and is able to remain airborne for as long as ten hours. The UAV is estimated to cost about €200,000, or 17.7 million rubles. It is produced by Jupiter Aircraft in Slovakia with German participation.