A patent in the Russian Federation reveals a grenade launcher designed to be mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles, with the explicit aim of suppressing enemy firing points from the air. The disclosure has been reported by the state news agency TASS, signaling continuing emphasis on aerial-enabled infantry support capabilities within the region.
The patent describes a grenade launcher equipped with a magazine and a dedicated mechanism to feed and launch grenades from the launcher barrel toward designated targets. The system leverages a video camera and a UAV remote control link to monitor and direct the device, integrating reconnaissance and fire control in a single airborne package. This combination suggests a broader trend toward compact, self-contained aerial weapon systems that can operate with minimal ground support.
According to the description provided by the reporting agency, the launcher operates by energizing an electric motor at the operator’s command. The motor rotates a slotted disk via a gear-like drive, causing one of the eight grenades seated in the slots to be fed into the firing pathway. The grenade travels through a borehole located at the bottom of the rotating drum and is propelled toward the intended target once a solenoid is energized and a ferromagnetic core engages the grenade. This sequence outlines a precise, mechanical method for rapid sequential firing controlled by the UAV’s payload manager and the operator’s inputs.
Officials emphasize that the device is suited for operations in urban environments and challenging terrain, where traditional ground-based artillery or manned platforms may face limitations. The aerial deployment capability promises to deliver rapid, localized firepower with a reduced risk to human operators on the ground, while increasing the flexibility of UAVs in complex combat landscapes. The integration of targeting sensors and remote operation underscores a push toward more autonomous and remotely coordinated systems that can adapt to evolving battlefield requirements.
This development follows earlier Russian innovations in the field of unmanned weapon platforms, including the creation of frames for detecting non-metallic weaponry and the deployment of drone suppression technologies. The sequence of advancements points to a broader strategic push to enhance air-ground integration, improve situational awareness for ground forces, and expand the operational envelope of unmanned systems in both surveillance and active engagement roles. As with similar efforts worldwide, these technologies raise important questions about rules of engagement, safety protocols, and the evolving balance between autonomous capability and human oversight. Observers note that continued reporting from agencies such as TASS helps illuminate the rapid evolution of modern warfare and the expanding toolkit available to airborne warfare planners.