Ukrainian Mariupol bureau unveils Mara strike drone delivered by aerostat

The Ukrainian Mariupol design bureau has unveiled its new fixed-wing UAV, the Mara. The system’s distinctive feature is that it operates in tandem with an aerostat, which delivers the drone over 1,000 km. The bureau shared the development specifications with Defender Media.

According to the manufacturer, the UAV has passed combat testing and struck targets in occupied Crimea and Berdiansk. The bureau plans to launch serial production by mid-October, with a price of up to $6,000.

The drone is used with the Balun aerostat, which was also developed by the bureau. With it, the Mara can be delivered up to 1,000 km at an altitude of more than 10 km. The aerostat is equipped with a ballast system, plus navigation, data transmission, and release systems.

After release, the Mara can fly a further 60 km. The developers do not disclose the warhead weight. They also do not reveal information about the communication and control systems, but add that they developed them in-house.

The design bureau says it supplies drones and components to more than 200 Defence Forces units. Its developments include the ARES A1 and the Magura bomber drone, the bureau says.

In addition to the Mara, the bureau is also developing the Everest, a reusable jet-powered interceptor drone. It plans to begin serial production in November. In total, the design bureau employs more than 200 people.