Ukraine lifts Mara drone on Balun aerostat to strike beyond 1,000km

Ukraine's Mariupol design bureau paired the Balun aerostat with the Mara strike drone: it climbs above 10km, releases the aircraft, which then flies about 60km more for a total range over 1,060km. The system costs up to $6,000, was combat-tested against targets in Crimea and Berdiansk, and serial production is planned from mid-October.

• Balun aerostat carries the Mara drone above 10km before release
• Mara flies roughly 60km independently after separation
• Total system range is at least 1,060km
• The combined system is priced at up to $6,000