RuAviation

Ahead of Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, companies within the national defense-industrial complex showcased equipment currently deployed in what Moscow refers to as the “special military operation.” The exhibition featured more than 140 systems, including armored vehicles, protective gear, and a broad range of support equipment.

In the aerial strike segment, manufacturers unveiled eight new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. The lineup includes fixed-wing systems, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) designs, quadcopters, and multirotor drones powered by electric motors and piston internal combustion engines. The systems were developed by subsidiaries of Kalashnikov Concern, Roselektronika, and other entities under the umbrella of Rostec. Some platforms are already in serial production, while others are transitioning to full-rate manufacturing.

According to Rostec, its enterprises are scaling up domestic production of critical UAV subsystems, including flight controllers, communications links, and electric propulsion units. CEO Sergey Chemezov stated that more than ten types of Russian-made UAVs are currently deployed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and strike missions. The corporation plans to expand output significantly, covering both military and civil variants.

The display also included munitions designed for integration on unmanned platforms. Among them was the Kh-BPLA missile, an air-launched derivative of the Kornet anti-tank guided missile system. Manufacturers presented factory-produced drop munitions for small UAVs, ranging from high-explosive fragmentation micro-bombs to multi-effect warheads.

Rostec companies also highlighted counter-UAS capabilities. The Serp electronic warfare system and SKVP radar units are designed to detect low-altitude, low-velocity small aerial targets. These systems provide localized low-altitude airspace control and point protection against small unmanned threats.

Participating Rostec subsidiaries included High-Precision Systems, Roselektronika, Shvabe, Russian Helicopters, Uralvagonzavod, KRET, Kalashnikov Concern, and other affiliated manufacturers, presenting an integrated portfolio of defense and dual-use technologies.