In Russia, developers unveiled a compact drone defense system named Argus-Antidron, designed as a handheld anti-tank grenade launcher. The announcement came from Alena Balandina, who leads the development team at NPO Kaisant, the corporate studio behind this weapon. The claim is that the device offers a focused, portable means to counter aerial threats and is positioned for quick deployment in field conditions. The presentation highlighted a suppression range reaching up to 1.5 kilometers and a runtime of about 1.5 hours without the need for frequent recharging, aligning with the expectations of mobile, on-the-spot counter-drone operations. News.
Balandina emphasized that the Argus-Antidron could disrupt or land a broad spectrum of enemy drones, aiming to complicate adversaries’ surveillance and strike capabilities. This reflects a broader push to combine compact design with effective field performance, ensuring operators can respond rapidly to airborne incursions. News.
Meanwhile, researchers with ties to Imperial College London and the Swiss Empa institute showcased a prototype known as FireDrone, a heat-resilient quadcopter engineered to endure temperatures as high as 200°C for up to ten minutes. The device is also capable of locating individuals and relaying detection data to rescue teams via remote control, highlighting a dual focus on safety and rapid situational awareness. tech briefings.
The FireDrone’s impressive heat tolerance stems from a specialized insulating airgel applied across its exterior, a material choice that helps maintain core components within safe operating temperatures during intense heat exposure. This feature underlines a growing trend toward resilience in drone design, especially for search and rescue missions or disaster-zone operations where extreme conditions are common. tech briefings.
Earlier reports noted the development of a reconnaissance microplane in Russia, with similarities drawn to certain NATO capabilities. The dialogue around such platforms points to competitive advances in light, small-format unmanned systems that can perform scouting, enable rapid data gathering, and support broader mission objectives in challenging environments. summaries.