Russian defence against drone swarms

The Wolf-18 interceptor drone has successfully completed flight tests


In Russia, the Wolf-18 drone designed to intercept enemy drones was tested. The quadcopter is automatically capable of detecting and then shooting down or ramming air targets.

"Flight tests of the upgraded version of the Volk-18 ,which included a real defeat of target drones, have been successfully completed, "a representative of the Almaz-Antey concern of East Kazakhstan region told RIA Novosti.

The quadcopter received a new optical-location system with an increased range of detection of air targets, as well as a control system with the ability to use the drone in fully automatic mode.

During a barraging flight, the interceptor drone independently scans the airspace to detect, recognize, and select objects.

The operator decides to destroy the target, after which the "Wolf-18" automatically attacks the enemy. To do this, he has three devices for shooting nets. If it is not possible to interrupt the flight of an aerial target with the help of charges, then the RAM function is provided to destroy the enemy vehicle in the air.

The prototype "Wolf-18" is a quadrocopter with dimensions of 60 by 60 centimeters. The flight time of the interceptor drone reaches 30 minutes. Take-off weight - six kilograms.

State tests of the new drone are planned to be carried out before the end of the year

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The media clearly showed the saturation of the air defense of the Khmeimim airbase


The air defense of the Khmeimim airbase in Syria, organized by the Russian military, shows its effectiveness, and the Pantsir-C1 anti-aircraft missile and cannon systems have proven their ability to fight drones. This is the conclusion reached by a Spanish military expert, author of the military blog Análisis Militares, publishing an infographic about the saturation of air defense systems at the Russian air base.

In his blog, the author writes that the Syrian rebels (militants - approx. VO), once again attempted to attack the Russian military airbase Khmeimim, but the base's air defenses successfully prevented the raid by shooting down all launched missiles.

According to him, the Russians have created a fairly effective air and missile defense system, saturated with various anti-aircraft systems and electronic warfare. Despite the large number of attacks made on the base with the help of missiles and drones, the built system throughout its existence did not allow a single hit, intercepting targets on the approach to the air base. Long-range interception is provided by the S-400 anti-aircraft systems, which have not yet been used due to the lack of targets for them.



The main defense of the base in the near zone is entrusted to the Pantsir-S1 air defense missile system, which intercept not only drones, but MLRS shells, which are periodically fired from the territory of the Idlib province, which is under the control of the rebels.

In addition, Russia has placed the Tor-M2 air defense missile system on Khmeimim. At the same time, the author claims that the Torahs were deployed on Khmeimim for testing them in combat conditions, and not because of the allegedly low effectiveness of the Pantsirs.

If the Pantsir-S1 air defense missile system were incapable of intercepting targets, it would be replaced by the same Tor-M2, but the Russians do not. The Pantsir / Thor ratio at the airbase is 6 to 1. (...) The Russians are interested in deploying a serious defense, because the threat of an attack on the base is real

- the author writes.

While on combat duty at the Khmeimim airbase, Pantsir-C1 air defense missile systems shot down more than a hundred drones of various types launched by the Syrian rebels, which proves their effectiveness in organizing air defense in the short-range zone, sums up the Spaniard.

https://en.topwar.ru/179933-smi-nagljadno-pokazali-nasyschennost-pvo-aviabazy-hmejmim.html

Tests of the Valdai radar station for finding silent drones have been completed


The Russian army will soon receive a specialized radar station "Valdai" to search for drones operating in radio silence.

- State tests of the complex have been completed. This is an effective means of combating small-sized drones operating at low speeds in radio silence mode. We have prepared proposals for accepting the station for the supply of the Armed forces, " he said."Red star" head Of the main Department of innovative research of the Ministry of defense, major General Andrey Goncharov.

For the Russian armed forces ' own drones, a noise-resistant antenna array "Komet" has been created. It is designed to receive satellite navigation signals and, due to its adaptive properties, is insensitive to electronic jamming devices.

- This development is an example of an asymmetric response. "Comet is equipped with various types of UAVs, the antenna has prospects for introduction into combat manned aircraft," the General said. He added that for "certain reasons" he can only name some of the promising military systems.

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Russia has developed an anti-drone complex that fits in cases


A unique mobile complex for detecting and blocking unmanned aerial vehicles was created by specialists of the Roselektronika holding, RIA Novosti reports with reference to the rostec state Corporation.

The system is called "Protection", it fits in three cases and is deployed in just half an hour. The principle of operation is simple - the system breaks the connection of the drone with the control panel. The complex suppresses the control of the drone within a radius of two kilometers.

You can detect a drone by irradiating the target, but this allows the enemy to quickly detect an anti-drone device. Therefore, Zashchita refused to use an active locator; the location of the drone is determined by the digital broadcast waves that are reflected from the target. Also, the complex does not use radio frequencies, so the system can also be used in the civil sphere, for example, when protecting enterprises from uncontrolled flights over the territory.

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Mindstorm wrote:At the beginning is necessary to repeat, as i've already done several times, that not a single formation or base of the Federation's Armed Forces is equipped with Панцирь-С1 simply because is prohibited by law to employ export versions in the rank of domestic forces.

Domestic formations and structures are protected exclusively by Панцирь-С and lately (including Хмеймим air base in Syria) by Панцирь-СM ; the latter show not only a new tracking and detection АФАР radar with almost double the detection and tracking range and enormously improved jamming rejection threshold and modern air-delivered decoy discerning capabilities, but above all new interceptors missiles with double the engagement range (40 km against 20 km) and hypersonic maximum speed (3000 m/s against 1300 m/s of the former interceptors).

The new interceptors moreover employ a new and improved defeating mechanism (on the basis of programed detonation of the warhead with programed formation of a swarm of fragments in the path of the incoming aircraft/UAV/PGM/helicopter) renouncing to contact sensors to cope with future hypersonic ammunitions.    

https://tvzvezda.ru/news/opk/content/2021222145-X43OE.html


Foreign forces are all equipped instead with Панцирь-С1 (the export version of the Панцирь-С) several of which are still equpiped with the very old 9M311 interceptors ; the export version of the domestic Панцирь-СM is the Панцирь-С1M with an export version of the new radar and intercetors (about 30 km of engagement range).

"Ideal means for the destruction of UAVs": NATO appreciated the Russian anti-aircraft missile system "Pantsir-S"


The Russian Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile and cannon system (ZRPK) has been called an "ideal tool" for countering drones. This is the conclusion reached by NATO.

The NATO Air Force Joint Center of Excellence, led by US Air Force Europe and Africa Commander Jeffrey Lee Harrigian, has released a report on the organization of air defense. Studying the air defense systems, the authors of the document admitted that the Russian Pantsir-S air defense missile defense system is the best weapon to defeat all types of drones.

The report says that the data of the air defense missile system was originally created for point object protection from enemy aircraft and helicopters, as well as to cover long-range air defense systems from high-precision weapons... The characteristics incorporated into the complex allowed the Pantsir to successfully fight drones.

Due to these characteristics, "Pantsir-C1" is ideal for combating the entire range of small and tactical military drones, and also allows you to close the gap that exists in regular air defense units between special systems for countering large UAVs and anti-drones complexes.

- stated in the report.

The report explicitly states that due to its ability to destroy all types of drones, the Russian air defense missile system on the battlefield "poses a threat" and becomes a priority target that must be destroyed before the start of operations.

As an example, the report cites the operation of the Turkish army in the Syrian province of Idlib to destroy the only ZRPK "Pantsir". It is noted that the Turks called the complex a priority target requiring immediate destruction, since the air defense missile system posed a real threat to drones.

https://en.topwar.ru/180374-idealnoe-sredstvo-dlja-unichtozhenija-bpla-v-nato-ocenili-rossijskij-zrpk-pancir-s.html

In NATO called "Pantsir-S1" an ideal weapon against UAVs
NATO analysts called the Pantsir-S1 ideally suited to combat drones.


The joint air Power Competence center has published a report entitled "an Integrated approach to countering unmanned aircraft systems". In it, analysts separately focused on how they are fighting with UAVs at a Russian military base in Syria. In this connection, the Pantsir-S1 missile defense system was also mentioned.

"Initially, it was designed to provide pinpoint air defense against aircraft and helicopters, as well as to provide additional protection for air defense units from enemy air attacks using high - precision ammunition, especially at low altitudes," the report says. "These characteristics make Pantsir-S1 ideally suited for countering the full range of threats-from small to tactical UAVs. It also makes it possible to fill the gap in regular air defense units between the means of countering large-sized UAVs and systems for combating miniature drones.

The report notes that Russia is showing progress in the development of UAVs.

In particular, the projects "Altius" and "Hunter"were mentioned. The Kalashnikov company offers drones covering almost all classes and categories, including devices specially designed to work in extreme climatic conditions. Moreover, some Russian UAVs are specially adapted for navigation without the use of global satellite navigation systems, which are often unreliable in the polar regions.

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Troops will receive a complex for detection and counteraction to unmanned aerial vehicles RLK-MC "Valdai"

Complex RLK-MC "Valdai" in the stowed position

To combat small-sized unmanned aerial vehicles, a new radar complex 117Zh6 RLK-MC Valdai has been created in our country. To date, this product has passed all the necessary checks and tests, according to the results of which it is ready for adoption. It is expected that such a technique will strengthen the existing air defense and allow it to deal with difficult targets in the form of UAVs.

Exhibitions and news

The radar complex was developed by the Lianozovo Electromechanical Plant (TOP LEMZ) from the Almaz-Antey VKO Concern. Work began in 2016. The goal of the project was to create a radar complex capable of detecting and tracking objects with extremely low RCS, as well as distinguishing UAV targets against the background of the earth or various objects and distinguishing them from birds. It was also required to provide suppression or neutralization of the detected target.

The development work received the Valdai code. The finished sample was designated as "radar complex - small targets" (RLK-MC). For foreign customers, an export modification called ROSC-1 is offered.

Working configuration of the complex

LEMZ successfully coped with the task, and already in 2018 a prototype was presented at the Army forum. The Valdai prototype was later shown at other exhibitions. In April 2019, the Ministry of Defense announced the use of the RLK-MC 117Zh6 in the exercises of the strategic missile forces. "Valdai" was supposed to cover missile systems on patrol routes from observation and possible attacks of a simulated enemy.

On February 26, the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper published an interview with the head of the Main Directorate for Research and Development and Technological Support of Advanced Technologies of the Ministry of Defense, Major General Andrei Goncharov. Among other things, he said that the RLK-MC "Valdai" had passed state tests, and now it is being prepared to be accepted for supplying the armed forces.

A complex approach

The task of detecting small-sized UAVs, incl. commercial, is particularly difficult. Such air targets are characterized by extremely low RCS (less than 0,05-0,1 sq.m), speeds of no more than 30-50 m / s, operating heights of hundreds of meters, the ability to hover and abrupt maneuvers, etc. In addition, there is often no possibility of removing the radar signatures of new samples of such equipment. Depending on the type and mode, such targets can conduct active radio communication with the operator or work in a radio silence mode.

Thermal imaging camera supplementing radio equipment

The development of methods for detecting such targets and the equipment that implements them turned out to be a rather difficult task. To ensure reliable detection and sustainable tracking of targets in the Valdai project, a new approach was proposed, involving the simultaneous use of several reconnaissance means of various kinds.

RLK-MC 117Zh6 is a self-propelled vehicle on a three-axle chassis with a container body. Structurally, the complex is divided into a control module with a remote control panel, a radar module, an optoelectronic module, a direction finding module for radio signal sources and a countermeasure module. It also provides for its own power supply, communication facilities, etc.

The main element of the complex is a three-coordinate survey radar module operating in the X-band (wavelength 3 cm). The mirror antenna is installed under the radio-transparent dome and, together with it, can rise above the container roof. The radar provides all-round visibility at elevation angles from 0 ° to 30 °. The minimum detection range is 300 m.

Operator's workplace

In parallel with the radar, the search for targets is carried out by the direction finding module of radio signal sources. Its task is to identify the control and communication channels of the UAV, as well as to determine the location of the vehicle and its operator. The complex also includes a thermal imaging camera that receives target designation from radio equipment and is capable of tracking a target.

Data from the radar and direction finder are fed to computing equipment with specified characteristics. In particular, a new adaptive system for selecting moving targets has been introduced. In addition, the data from the locator is specified according to information from the intelligence equipment. The optoelectronic module is intended both for collecting information and for tracking the results of countermeasures.

RLK-MC "Valdai" is able to independently fight the detected drones. For this, it includes a jamming module capable of suppressing control and navigation signals. Earlier it was reported about the development of an interceptor UAV that fires a net. A certain reusable electric rocket was mentioned.


Data on the air situation and small-sized targets can also be issued to the air defense command post or to other users. For this, modern means of communication are provided.

The radar of the 117Zh6 complex is capable of detecting Mavik or Phantom drones at ranges of at least 5-6. For larger targets, the detection range exceeds 15 km. Provided high accuracy in determining the coordinates of the target for subsequent exposure to its own means or for transfer to third-party fire weapons.

Applications

The Valdai / ROSC-1 radar system can be used in all areas where rapid detection of potentially dangerous small-sized air targets is required. With the help of such technology, it is possible to ensure the protection of the area from light and ultralight UAVs of various types, carrying reconnaissance equipment or warheads. In addition, the civilian version of the complex is proposed to ensure the ornithological safety of airfields.

Valdai containerized

117Ж6 Valdai can operate independently and as part of various systems. Several complexes can be networked; It is also possible to work as part of a multicomponent air defense system. In this case, the RLK-MC will have to identify and disable the most difficult targets that have managed to break through other echelons of defense.

The complex in the presented configuration is characterized by high mobility, which allows you to quickly organize the defense of a given area. At the same time, it is possible to simultaneously transfer and deploy complexes for various purposes to organize echeloned defense. The product can be made both in a self-propelled and in a container version. In the latter case, it can be used for long-term protection of areas.

"Valdai" can be used in the military air defense of the ground forces and in the air defense missile defense troops from the Aerospace Forces. In addition, such equipment has already been tested as part of the support units of the Strategic Missile Forces. The media reported on interest from the Russian Guard, which is also facing the problem of UAVs.

Civilian version of the complex

Potential and benefits

The launch customer of the Valdai complex is the Russian armed forces. The product has successfully passed all the necessary checks and tests, according to the results of which it was recommended for acceptance for supply. In the near future, all the necessary procedures will pass, and the RLK-MC 117Zh6 will become a full-fledged combat unit in the ranks.

It is curious that the RLK-MC "Valdai" will be the first model of its class to be put into service. The Russian army has various means of electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare, but specialized complexes for countering small-sized UAVs have not yet gone beyond the ranges.

Now the situation is starting to change. The full-size mobile complex "Valdai", capable of effectively solving all assigned tasks, is being adopted. Following him, other samples of domestic development may go to the troops. It will take some time to create full-sized combat-ready groups, but in the end it will give the desired results. All these measures will solve the urgent problem and protect troops or other objects from the typical threats of our time.

https://en.topwar.ru/180456-vojska-poluchat-kompleks-obnaruzhenija-i-protivodejstvija-bespilotnikam-rlk-mc-valdaj.html

Russian scientists patented a device for "catching" drones


Russian experts have developed a system that can literally "catch" drones. We are talking about a device patented by scientists from RFNC-VNIITF (Russian Federal Nuclear Center - All-Russian Research Institute of Technical Physics) from the Chelyabinsk Region.

The device itself is, in fact, a rocket that, during the flight, throws out a special super-strong net, which, as a result, is capable of capturing unmanned aerial vehicles.

The information on the Rospatent website indicates that the invention was patented by Russian scientists just a few days ago.

The missile has a special guidance unit, with the help of which it flies into the part of the airspace where the presence of the UAV is recorded. The device is equipped with an additional direction finding unit. The network is located in a container. To ensure the capture of the drone, special weights are placed at the corner points of the network, which contributes to the deployment of the network.

The use of a rocket makes it possible to provide a speed advantage even over a drone that moves fast enough and maneuvers at the same time. The net is able to capture the drone due to the high kinetic energy of the cargo, which is acquired at the initial moment when the trap net is “fired” from the container.

This method of "catching" drones, apparently, can be quite effective against UAVs that do not differ in large mass.

It is argued that the performance of such a device is currently confirmed by calculations. Now the tests of such a trap for the UAV are coming.

https://en.topwar.ru/180715-rossijskie-uchenye-zapatentovali-ustrojstvo-dlja-lovli-bespilotnikov.html

Russia has developed a grenade launcher shot to neutralize drones


A special grenade launcher ammunition for hitting and capturing a small drone was developed in Russia. The patent for the invention is published on the official website of the Federal Institute of Industrial Property (part of Rospatent).

The creation of a special ammunition was carried out at the Peter the Great Strategic Missile Forces Military Academy. In the description of the patent it is said that the ammunition for the grenade launcher has a warhead and a throwing part, the warhead is made of separate striking elements located inside the body and striking segments fastened together by flexible elements that form a net.

(...) a protective metal container in the form of a cylinder is placed inside the shell of the ammunition to ensure safety, compact placement and directional deployment of the net after a shot

- says the description.

There is no other information about the new ammunition for neutralizing drones, most likely we are talking about a shot for an under-barrel grenade launcher, although there may be other options.

Note that in 2019, the US Department of the Ground Forces filed a patent for a 40-mm grenade for grenade launchers, designed to combat drones. The ammunition consists of two parts - a detachable warhead and a hull. There is a net inside the hull, which should entangle the UAV in flight. This ammunition can be fired from a conventional under-barrel (or any other) 40-mm grenade launcher.

https://en.topwar.ru/180767-v-rossi-razrabotan-granatometnyj-vystrel-dlja-nejtralizacii-bespilotnikov.html

GarryB wrote:I would say the new generation IIR optics and new MMW radar on the Mi-28NM and upgraded Kamovs along with laser command detonated 30mm cannon shells would make them ideal for engaging drones from very small to rather quite large....

Using sensors to find the drones and laser rangefinders to range them their ballistics computer and known trajectory of cannon shells and large airburst HE round should allow the efficient destruction of even very small cheap drones with a single shot most of the time.

Air burst is critical because you don't want a small light cheap aircraft flying around your airbase firing rifle calibre machine guns because even the rounds that hit will pass right through and create a threat to everything nearby because bullets don't just stop existing when they hit a target.

Blasing away with machine guns can result in defensive fire doing more damage than the drones do.

Light helicopter that is cheap to operate with a 40mm grenade launcher with airburst rounds that can patrol an area and fly above the target and shoot down at it so fragments go into the ground and are not dangerous over enormous distances... or fly low so grenades detonate upwards towards the targets... the fragments are light but would rapidly slow down so by the time they come down on the ground they will be harmless... unlike a rifle bullet for instance.