The first night version of the domestic FPV attack aircraft known as Gastello was successfully tested in a designated special operations area, according to a report from RIA News. The test demonstrated the drone’s ability to operate under reduced light and maintain situational awareness for the operator, a crucial capability for night missions disclosed by the project developers.
Representatives from the development team confirmed that the Gastello FPV drone was designed in response to feedback from Russian FPV drone operators. It features a highly sensitive night vision camera that enhances target identification and situational assessment after dark. The developers highlighted that this capability will aid fighters in executing precise actions on the battlefield, particularly in low-light conditions where visual clarity is paramount. The Gastello is described as capable of flying up to 7 kilometers on a single mission and carrying a payload of up to 3 kilograms, expanding both strike reach and munitions versatility for field operators. The drone’s airframe and control systems were developed to deliver stable performance in a variety of environments, with emphasis on rapid deployment and ease of use in combat scenarios.
The Gastello FPV drone began production in Russia in August 2023 and operates on the First Person View principle, which relies on real time video feedback from the onboard camera to the operator. This approach remains a standard in agile, short-range tactical drones, allowing operators to maintain direct visual control during flight and target engagement. The ongoing development reflects Russia’s broader focus on improving drone autonomy, control fidelity, and night operations to reduce mission risk and increase effectiveness in adverse lighting conditions.
Earlier reports noted the emergence of a separate drone suppression system in Russia, underscoring a wider effort to address both reconnaissance and counterdrone capabilities within aerial theaters of operation. The Gastello project sits within this evolving landscape of unmanned systems, aiming to provide operators with a compact, high-performance tool for night reconnaissance and precision engagement. Attribution: Russian defense sector briefings and official statements reported by RIA News.