Granat Optical Reconnaissance and Attack Complex: New Capabilities from Astron Specialists
Astron specialists from the Russian optical-mechanical design bureau designed a new system called the Granat optical reconnaissance and attack complex. This development was reported by TASS, citing the company’s press service. The department notes that the organization has created and is actively testing the Granat complex, signaling a significant step forward in optical reconnaissance and strike capabilities.
According to the design bureau, Granat bears similarities to the Blokpost reconnaissance and attack thermal imaging complex but operates in the optical spectrum rather than solely in infrared. The system is conceived for deployment in challenging terrains and densely built urban environments, where traditional methods may falter. Its core functions include locating potential targets, performing supplemental reconnaissance, and executing attacks with the support of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The emphasis on optical sensing expands the range of situational awareness and targeting accuracy in complex settings.
A notable distinction highlighted by Astron is the incorporation of a signal repeater mounted on a separate unmanned aerial vehicle. This feature enables a flying relay to receive and relay commands from a reconnaissance aircraft even when direct line-of-sight communication is unavailable, effectively extending command and control reach and improving operational resilience in obstructed or degraded environments.
The material also references broader production and procurement activity around unmanned and precision munitions. In September, Bekhan Ozdoev, head of the Rostec complex responsible for conventional weapons, ammunition, and special chemicals, spoke about multiple increases in the manufacture of certain munitions, including items referred to as Lancets and Cubes, as well as hand grenades and Tachyons. These notes contextualize a wider push to advance unmanned systems and related support ordnance within strategic supply chains.
In related developments, the Ministry of Defense previously showcased the unmanned aerial vehicle Forpost-R, highlighting ongoing interest in expanding aerial reconnaissance and strike capabilities across different platforms. Collectively, these updates illustrate a national emphasis on modernizing air-ground interoperability and enhancing precision engagement through integrated sensor and relay technologies. The Granat project sits within this broader modernization trajectory, aiming to deliver enhanced optical performance, extended communication reach, and improved mission execution in environments that pose visibility and accessibility challenges.
Analysts observing the evolution of Russian unmanned systems note that Granat represents a strategic shift toward combining high-fidelity optical sensing with autonomous or semi-autonomous strike elements. The design philosophy appears to center on robust line-of-sight management, agile targeting workflows, and resilient C2 (command-and-control) architectures that can operate in contested airspace. While the full capabilities remain under testing, the reported features suggest a system built to complement existing platforms, widen situational awareness, and enable rapid decision-making in complex theaters of operation. Attribution: TASS report via the Astron press service and related Rostec disclosures.