Russia develops multilayered C-UAS system

Russian defence equipment exporter Rosoboronexport, a subsidiary of the state-owned Rostec group, has developed a four-stage/dual-use counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability and is now actively marketing it globally, Director General Alexander Mikheev told Jane’s .

The Kupol-PRO C-UAS system is designed to provide all-round coverage against small UAVs. (Nikolai Novichkov)

“Rosoboronexport has embraced a new multifaceted C-UAS defence, which combines both soft-kill, or electronic warfare [EW], and hard-kill kinetic systems,” Mikheev said, adding that the company’s approach comprises at least four types of EW systems. “It can engage all types of UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles], both combat and commercial-off-the-shelf ones.”

The first tier includes the Repellent C-UAS device produced by JSC Defense Systems. It jams communications, control, and navigations channels within 200–6,000 MHz frequency band at a distance of up to 30 km.

The second layer is made up of the Sapsan-Bekas mobile C-UAS system developed by Rostec subsidiary Avtomatika. The system is fitted with both active and passive UAV detection devices. It can visually track small UAVs up to 8 km away with its TV camera and a cooled thermal imager, or up to 10 km and 20 km respectively via its active radar and electronic intelligence systems.

The Pishchal-PRO C-UAS system is based on the MP-514K 4.5 mm pneumatic rifle. (Nikolai Novichkov)

The Sapsan-Bekas can also disrupt UAV navigation and control channels within a 30 km range, as well as designating targets for external EW and air defence weapons.