A new airspace monitoring system (ASMC) has begun operating in the Moscow region, capable of detecting helicopters, airplanes, and small unmanned aerial vehicles at very low altitudes. The system is described in the media as a development by the engineers behind it, highlighting its potential to enhance situational awareness in busy airspaces.
According to a deputy chief engineer from the Central Design Bureau Device Engineering in Tula, part of Rostec’s High Precision Complexes, the system is designed to identify even the most technically demanding aerial targets. The official stressed that while radar visibility on fighter jets or bombers is feasible for any manufacturer, this new setup can reliably detect compact, paper-sized drones as well as larger craft. In field tests, the team indicated detection ranges can extend to roughly 4 kilometers for small multi-rotor drones carrying compact video cameras, such as consumer models similar to the Mavic 2. This demonstrates the system’s capability to observe targets that are difficult to track with traditional airspace surveillance methods.
Initial deployments of the ASMC are already in place within the Moscow region, according to the developer organization. The network is built around SKVP radar stations that employ fixed phased array antennas. These stations can be mounted in a variety of configurations, including tripods, rooftop installations on tall structures, base stations, or even mounted on vehicles. A full network can comprise up to 24 individual stations, creating a broad, adaptable coverage footprint across controlled airspace.
When integrated with existing air defense or electronic warfare systems, the ASMC can passively share real-time target information. This enables faster decision-making and more timely responses by defense complexes and command centers, potentially reducing reaction times in dynamic airspace scenarios.
In parallel with these developments, national leadership has signaled intentions to bolster air defense capabilities. A high-level statement attributed to the presidential administration outlined a commitment to advancing defensive infrastructure to counter long-range Western weapons. The emphasis remains on improving resilience and rapid response across multiple layers of air security, including radar networks, missile defense elements, and electronic countermeasures.
Beyond this announcement, discussions have continued about enhancing the effectiveness of air defense systems in the face of ongoing regional tensions. Analysts note that, as threats evolve, integrated systems that combine radar detection, airborne surveillance, and ground-based interdiction will become increasingly important for maintaining secure skies. The Moscow-region deployment of the ASMC exemplifies a broader trend toward layered protection, where sensors, data links, and command-and-control architectures work in concert to identify potential hazards at the earliest possible stage. [Citation: Interagency briefings and independent defense analysts, 2024]