Lead
Russia’s state tech corporation Rostec has announced the development of several new defense technologies, including systems designed to counter drone attacks and advanced optoelectronic equipment for unmanned and robotic platforms. The announcements, made through the corporation’s Rosel Holding subsidiary, cover the Vika drone navigation jamming system, the Serp-FPV system for repelling FPV drone attacks, and a new line of optoelectronic systems incorporating neural network-based object recognition.
Coverage Comparison
The reporting on these developments comes exclusively from TASS, the Russian state news agency, which provided three separate releases detailing each system. The coverage focuses on the technical capabilities and intended applications of the new equipment, with an informative tone and no overt editorializing. TASS presents the systems as technological advancements by Rostec and its subsidiary, Rosel Holding, with statements attributed to the corporation and its representatives.
Key Claims
Vika Drone Navigation Jamming System
According to TASS, the Vika system, developed by the Sozvezdie company of Rosel Holding, provides comprehensive protection of facilities from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks. Rostec reported that six to eight devices are deployed so that each covers a 60-degree radio reconnaissance and jamming sector. Upon detecting a target, the system analyzes signal strength from different directions, determines the drone’s location, and performs precise electronic jamming, limiting the drone’s navigation without adversely affecting surrounding infrastructure.
The system blocks GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou communication channels, protecting facilities and territories from UAV attacks. It can operate both manually, based on external targeting of a threat, and automatically via a built-in drone radio channel detector. This allows jamming to be performed only when a threat is detected, which Rostec noted is especially important for ensuring the safety of urban infrastructure. The Vika’s cluster architecture, sectoral impact, and automation allow it to be used to protect industrial and military facilities.
Serp-FPV System for FPV Drone Defense
TASS reported that specialists at Rosel Holding have developed a new system called Serp-FPV for repelling massive FPV drone attacks on moving targets. Rosel Holding has expanded its line of Serp counter-drone systems with a product designed to protect vehicles from FPV drones, which are also used as attack UAVs. The Serp-FPV solution is intended to counter drones threatening mobile targets, where speed of deployment and signal suppression efficiency are key factors.
The new system operates in the most common FPV drone control frequencies. It generates directional and omnidirectional jamming, allowing it to target drones both for pinpoint defense and for repelling group attacks. According to Natalia Kotlyar, deputy CEO for business development at Rosel’s Vector Research Institute, a distinctive feature of the Serp series is their ability to jam drones flying on individually configurable frequencies. “Even if the operator uses a proprietary frequency, but it’s within the range of our anti-drone system, the signal will still be suppressed. For each tricky ‘birdie’ there is a secret electronic warfare system,” she said. Rostec added that the Serp-FPV system can also be used to protect armored vehicles.
Optoelectronic Systems with Neural Network Object Recognition
Rostec also announced a line of optoelectronic systems developed by Rosel Holding for unmanned aerial vehicles, ground-based robotic systems, and surface robotic vessels. According to TASS, the equipment can detect moving and stationary targets at any time of day. Two modifications of the new line implement neural network data processing algorithms running on the device’s built-in computer, enabling automatic object recognition and reducing operator workload.
The line includes seven models, varying in weight, dimensions, and detection range. All models are energy-efficient and built on a gyrostabilized platform with two-axis rotation, ensuring stable imaging while the carrier is moving. The devices operate in the visible spectrum, with some models additionally equipped with infrared channels for low-light monitoring, with image output in standard video format.
The most compact systems are designed for installation on UAVs. Medium-class solutions are for robotic ground platforms, while larger models can be used on unmanned boats and warships. The equipment can also be used for traffic monitoring by traffic police officers, as well as for forest surveillance and fire detection.
Perspectives
This article is based solely on official statements from Rostec and its subsidiary Rosel Holding, as relayed by TASS. No independent or dissenting perspectives are included in the available material.