The Harpy anti-drone system has been tested near Donetsk, using a common DJI Mavic Pro quadcopter in the NVO region, according to a RIA Novosti correspondent. The DJI Mavic Pro platforms are widely deployed by both sides in the conflict for reconnaissance at tactical levels, for adjusting artillery fire, and in assault scenarios.
Since 2016, the DJI Mavic Pro has been regarded as among the best compact quadcopters in the world. It is small yet powerful, easy to stash in a bag or backpack, and offers up to 27 minutes of flight time, a range of up to 4000 meters, a service ceiling near 5000 meters, a top speed of about 65 kilometers per hour, and a 12.4 megapixel camera.
Manufacturing of the Mavic Pro occurs in two Chinese facilities, one in Shenzhen and the other in Tianjin. Shenzhen handles the majority of production, while Tianjin focuses more on research and development. DJI remains a leading name in the global drone industry.
The Harpy anti-drone system is an electronic warfare device, essentially a directed transmitter used to jam communications between an enemy drone and its operator or checkpoints. It is not a firearm. The device employs directional antennas that emit various signal types to suppress drone communications and disrupt control links.
The Harpy project draws its name from mythic harpies known in ancient Greek lore as winged figures that snatch or prey upon. The term “harpy” has Latin roots meaning snatcher or predator, reflecting the device’s intended function to seize control of a drone’s mission and communications.
The anti-drone gun Harpy operates on the UAV communication bands around 433 and 900 megahertz, supports GPS signals L1 L2 L5, and covers WiFi bands at 2.4 and 5.8 gigahertz. Its effective range lies between 500 and 2000 meters. The unit is powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, offering a 40 to 60 minute operational window. The listed price is 380 thousand rubles, with sales managed by LLC SpecTechConsulting.
The device disrupts a drone’s mission by interrupting flight control, severing the link to the operator, and disturbing navigation and video transmission. In the initial seconds of suppression, a drone can appear to freeze in place as GPS contact is lost, followed by a rapid descent into safe mode within roughly 15 to 20 seconds, depending on the model.
Analysts note that the widespread use of such unmanned systems by opposing forces could enhance operational effectiveness for Russian troops in designated defense zones, changing how missions and patrol tasks are executed in the NMD region.