The Russian Khabarovsk-based NeuroPVO laboratory has developed and tested a prototype of the Kupol 25, a home-made autonomous air defense system designed to destroy drones. The project is being developed by a small team, without government funding or other assistance. The Kupol 25 air defense system does not use radar; drones are detected by cameras and, using neural network algorithms, the weapon is aimed at the target. The team is currently finalizing the system's software. The weapon is a pneumatic cannon firing metal balls. A diagram of the system is shown on the screen. Currently, the system is capable of destroying drones at a range of up to 25 meters. The Kupol 25 system costs only 230,000 rubles (US$3,200), and the cost of destroying a drone starts at 70 rubles (US$1). The developers themselves explain how the Kupol 25 system operates.
RU POV: Footage of the Katran mobile air defense system, equipped with a digital fire-control system featuring elements of artificial intelligence, intercepting a Ukrainian UAV.
Footage of a missile launch by the Russian 2K22M1 Tunguska-M1 air defense system. The video was filmed by the 27th Guards Motor Rifle Division of the Russian Army. The Ukrainian army also uses the Tunguska air defense system, but videos featuring it are also rare. Despite its age, the air defense system is still effective against certain types of UAVs. The 2K22 Tunguska anti-aircraft gun and missile system was adopted by the USSR in 1982.
The Russian army has begun actively using Sokol-I interceptor drones. The first drones were deployed in 2025. The drone's manufacturer is currently unknown. The Sokol-I drone is designed for reconnaissance, engaging ground targets, and intercepting UAVs, including the Chaklun, Leleka, and Hornet. The Sokol-I drone is relatively simple, with a foam body. Thanks to the foam, the drone's effective reflectivity is low, making it a difficult target for air defense systems. The Sokol drone is hand-launched, without the use of any catapults or additional equipment. The operator can launch the interceptor within minutes of receiving target designation. The drone does not have automatic target acquisition; it is controlled by the operator. The drones are equipped with replaceable warheads, including RGD-5, F-1, and similar grenades. Drones can also be intercepted kinetically, without the drone using its warhead. Interceptor drones are recoverable and can be repaired. The Sokol-I drone flies at a speed of 160 km/h, has a range of up to 25 kilometers, and can fly at altitudes of up to 5 kilometers. Weighing less than 5 kg, the drone is presumably very inexpensive.
