P1-SUN Drones Down Gerbera UAVs Carrying FPV Drones for the First Time

Ukrainian P1-SUN interceptor drones have, for the first time, downed Russian Gerbera UAVs carrying FPV drones as payloads.

The Ukrainian defense technology company SkyFall shared combat footage with Militarnyi showing the interceptors in action.

The operation involved the Ukrainian Ground Forces.

The footage clearly shows FPV drones mounted on top of the Gerbera UAVs, recognizable by their distinctive X-shaped frames and propellers.

According to SkyFall, Ukrainian forces detected and destroyed five Russian drones in a single day.

Previously, Russian Gerbera drones were primarily used as low-cost decoys to overload Ukrainian air defenses or as reconnaissance UAVs.

However, in early 2026, Ukrainian Defence Ministry adviser Serhii Beskrestnov (‘Flash’) reported the emergence of a new variant designed to carry FPV drones.

In effect, Russian forces are attempting to extend the operational range of FPV systems by delivering them to the attack area using an airborne carrier drone.

The P1-SUN is a Ukrainian interceptor drone developed by SkyFall specifically to engage Shahed-type drones and other aerial targets.

According to the company, the interceptor drone can reach speeds of up to 310 km/h, operate at altitudes of up to 9,000 meters, and engage targets at ranges of up to 33 kilometers from the launch point.

Some versions of the P1-SUN are equipped with thermal imaging cameras and automated targeting systems, enabling operators to track and engage aerial targets more effectively.

Previously, an Antonov An-28 aircraft was fitted with P1-SUN interceptor drones to hunt Russian UAVs.