The Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Russian National Guard are preparing to test the latest unified hand-held smoke grenade, the RDG-U, due to its potential to shield personnel and equipment from precision guided missiles. Reports circulate that the announcement came from a law enforcement source cited by a major Russian news agency. The news underscores the ongoing focus on improving battlefield survivability through rapid masking capabilities that can complicate targeting by modern guided weapons.
Observers note that the security services have expressed sustained interest in material and equipment that can be rapidly deployed to protect forces in active operations. The RDG-U is described as a strategic asset in this regard, with officials signaling that the item has progressed beyond initial trials and is moving toward formal deployment in select units. The pathway from evaluation to operational use highlights coordinated efforts across agencies to advance protective measures for personnel and critical hardware.
According to official statements, the Russian Armed Forces have moved to begin supplying the RDG-U units as part of a broader initiative to enhance defensive capabilities. The rollout is framed as a response to evolving threats that include highly accurate missiles and smart weapon systems, where concealment through smoke can create time and distance advantages for troops and materiel. The guidance from authorities stresses that the RDG-U functions as a protective curtain, blurring signatures and complicating real-time targeting by adversaries.
Technical descriptions indicate that RDG-U delivers both immediate masking and sustained concealment. The smoke-generating composition creates a dense air curtain at activation, while additional elements support extended diffusion to prolong effective cover. The result is a dual mechanism: a rapid obscuring effect coupled with the persistence needed to weather extended engagements. Officials emphasize that this dual action helps shield personnel and vehicles during exposure to infrared and thermally guided systems.
In parallel with the RDG-U developments, authorities report progress on related countermeasure technologies. A separate effort in Russia has produced a new drone suppression system designed to disrupt small aerial platforms and reduce reconnaissance or attack options for adversaries. The concurrent advancement of these technologies reflects a broader push to integrate protective measures with other counter-threat tools, strengthening overall defensive posture in varied operational environments.
The ongoing program of testing and evaluation for RDG-U reflects a strategic intent to equip armed forces with rapid-response masking capabilities. As field trials continue, military planners are assessing not only immediate effectiveness but also ease of use, reliability under differing weather conditions, and compatibility with existing equipment. The goal is to ensure the system can be rapidly deployed in diverse theaters while maintaining operational readiness and minimizing logistical footprint. Overall, the RDG-U initiative demonstrates how smoke-based concealment remains a relevant and practical option for enhancing survivability in contemporary security operations.