The Russian Merlin-21B surveillance UAV, presented at Army-2015, carries radar capable of detecting camouflaged targets and operating in poor weather. At least two dozen reported in Russian service.
| Country | Russia |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | Surveillance/reconnaissance UAV |
| Role | All-weather reconnaissance |
| Russian-made | true |
| Classification | Tactical ISR UAV |
| Mission | reconnaissance, surveillance, radar imaging |
| Variants | Merlin-21B; Merlin-21BM; Merlin-VR; Merlin-BP |
| Operators | Russian Armed Forces |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Year introduced | 2015 |
| Standard sensors | radar (camouflage-penetrating), EO/IR |
| Production status | In service |
| Notable engagements | Merlin-VR variants downed by Ukrainian forces |
| Conflicts deployed in | Russo-Ukrainian War (Merlin-VR variants) |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – civil | Photography / film |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class II – Tactical (150–600 kg) |