A Russian drone equipped with solar panels has been spotted in territory controlled by Ukrainian forces, according to photos circulating on social media.
A Russian drone with a solar panel was spotted on top of a water tower.
While too small to power a radio repeater by itself, it would allow an extended period on a standby mode.https://t.co/s8Bhf7RCDY pic.twitter.com/ofed3XkE0a— Roy🇨🇦 (@GrandpaRoy2) July 15, 2025
A Telegram channel run by Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian military communications and electronic warfare specialist, reported: “Our guys once again spotted a Russian ‘ZhDUN’ drone with a solar panel on top of a water tower.”
Beskrestnov said the drone could be used to elevate a video camera, deploy a signal repeater or beacon, or remain idle until ready to strike. “The solar panel is too small to power a complex system continuously, but it can keep the drone in standby mode for extended periods,” he noted.
The Bulgarian Military notes that these panels, often commercial 5-watt models from companies like Voltaic Systems—weigh under half a kilogram and cost less than $50.
“Russian engineers are installing solar panels on FPV drones to increase their autonomous operating time,” the outlet reports. “The panels do not power the motors during flight but provide steady charging for the batteries while the drone is stationary.”
“Solar panels enable charging in terrain where there are no secure positions or electric generators,” the outlet adds. “This turns any concealed object—tree, bridge, or building—into a potential recharging station. Therefore, a drone equipped with solar panels can operate behind enemy lines for longer periods and with a lower risk of detection.”
The exact location of the sighting has not been disclosed.
This marks the second such incident in recent weeks. In June, Ukrainian forces recovered a Russian FPV drone fitted with solar panels in the Kherson region.
Russian FPV drone with solar panels. Kherson region. https://t.co/qRdXhZxkWy pic.twitter.com/vluDTJDEgY
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) June 30, 2025
