Russian FPV drones known as Joker-10 have been adapted to support air defense operations. Dmitry Kuzyakin, the General Director of the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions, confirmed this development. The information was reported by RIA News.
According to Kuzyakin, these drones can already target and strike helicopters operated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine using explosives released from tubes mounted in heat-trapping devices. In addition, FPV drones show potential for engaging enemy unmanned aerial vehicles, a capability that could, in the future, offer a more cost-effective alternative to traditional anti-missile systems.
Kuzyakin described a new deployment scenario for FPV unmanned aerial vehicles: FPV air defense and the protection of the immediate air environment.
The Central Defense Design Bureau explained that the push to repurpose FPV drones for air defense missions stems from the need to counter Ukrainian aircraft-type UAVs employed against Russian territory. These drones are often constructed from foam plastic, a material that can evade some radar detection, creating unique challenges for surveillance.
Kuzyakin noted that the FPV air defense project has undergone testing at a dedicated site, where Joker managed to down aircraft-type unmanned aerial systems.
Earlier, Russia announced the creation of a new drone suppression system aimed at reducing the operational effectiveness of hostile aerial assets.