Russia Begins Developing Advanced Weapons After Artsakh Conflict

Russian enterprises have started the development of a state-of-the-art long-range radar monitoring complex based on helicopter-type unmanned aerial vehicles, a source in the defense industry reported to "RIA Novosti" on Saturday.

"The development of the long-range radar control drone is underway since November, and it will monitor the enemy's small and low-speed drones at low and extremely low altitudes and will ensure the targeting of ground anti-aircraft missile systems on them," the source’s interlocutor explained.

The source noted that the work on the complex has been initiated based on the analysis of recent local conflicts, which highlighted the growing role of strike drones. According to the interlocutor, the development is being carried out based on existing foundations, and therefore, the complex will be created in a very short timeframe.

Currently, the Russian army is equipped with reconnaissance drones (such as "Orlan-10," "Leer," etc.). Partially, strike drones from "Kronstadt" - "Orion" group are positioned (the first serial contract was signed in 2020), and the "Luch" - "Korsar" design bureau (no contract has been signed yet) is also involved. Additionally, the armed forces possess "Kub" and "Lancet" small drone kamikazes.

As for heavy strike drones, despite the lengthy work conducted in this direction, serial samples are still not ready. The most notable domestic projects of this class are "Okhotnik" and "Altius." During the escalation of the Artsakh conflict from September to November this year, various types of drones were actively used, including reconnaissance devices, strike devices, as well as kamikaze drones. Experts and media have described the specifics of military operations in Artsakh using the term "drone warfare."