Russian conglomerate Kalashnikov has unveiled for the first time its new Fortis unmanned aerial complex, a vertical takeoff and landing system designed to also serve as a carrier and signal relay platform for FPV drones.
The new system was showcased at the International Security Forum, held under the auspices of the Security Council of the Russian Federation from May 26 to 29, 2026, at the Live Arena multifunctional complex in the Moscow region.
According to the company, the UAVs that make up the Fortis complex can carry FPV drones and, after launch, assist in controlling them by relaying signals from a ground station. The goal is to significantly expand the operational range of FPV drones across different mission types.
According to Kalashnikov, Fortis stands out for its stable communications at distances of up to 100 km and its ability to carry payloads of up to 18 kg. The system can also remain airborne for up to eight hours, performing tasks such as aerial surveillance, reconnaissance of fixed and moving targets on land and at sea, and aerial surveying operations.
The company offers three versions of the platform. The Fortis 30 can carry up to 5 kg, reach cruising speeds of up to 90 km/h, and operate at altitudes of up to 2,500 meters. The Fortis 50 increases payload capacity to 7 kg, with speeds of up to 100 km/h and operational altitudes of up to 3,000 meters.
The most capable version, the Fortis 100, can carry up to 18 kg, reach cruising speeds of up to 110 km/h, and perform missions at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters.
Each Fortis complex can include up to four UAVs. Kalashnikov also states that, depending on customer requirements, the package can be supplemented with training simulators, an introductory simulator for crews, and diagnostic benches for various drone systems.
The unveiling of Fortis comes at a time of rapid expansion in the use of drones for military operations, surveillance, and technical monitoring, sectors in which platforms offering greater endurance, payload capacity, and communication range are becoming increasingly important.
+ France detains Russian tanker TAGOR linked to “shadow fleet” in the Atlantic
Source and image: Telegram/kalashnikovnews. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
