Russia Advances a New Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Reconnaissance and Targeting
Russian researchers are developing an unmanned aerial vehicle presented as a conventional flying wing. The project aims to support reconnaissance, adjust artillery fire, and relay communications, including integration with a recent Scalpel attack platform. This information comes from the Vostok design bureau as reported by TASS, the Russian news agency.
Prototype testing for this unmanned aircraft is planned to start before the close of February 2024. The design features a wingspan of about 3 meters and is intended to carry out reconnaissance and communications missions, with the Scalpel attack system also expected to be incorporated. An additional use is to manage target engagement by confirming hits and guiding artillery adjustments on the battlefield.
Technical specifications outline a flight duration of up to six hours, a range approaching 100 kilometers, and a maximum payload capacity of 4 kilograms. These figures point to a platform designed for extended operations in a reconnaissance and support role within contested environments.
Earlier, Kaspersky Lab introduced Russia’s first system for classifying unmanned aerial vehicles by hazard type. Vladimir Kleshnin, who leads business development for Kaspersky Antidrone, described drones as a growing problem for critical infrastructure such as airports and industrial facilities. He noted that the classification framework was created to help customers understand how to deploy protective measures more effectively against drone-related risks.
In other notes from the region, reports emphasize a perception of drones within the broader security landscape, reflecting ongoing debates about aerial threats and defensive responses in the area. Observers highlight that the rapid evolution of unmanned systems requires ongoing assessment and adaptation of protective strategies for both civilian and military stakeholders.