Russia Deploys Mechanised C-UAS Units

Russian MoD announced the deployment of newly formed mechanised C-UAS units to defend others from UAV threats in Ukraine. Russia-based news outlet Izvetsia shared an infographic regarding the structure of C-UAS units. Three types of vehicles are present, two being hard-kill solutions and the last being smoke generator vehicles to obscure visibility for the cameras on UAVs. The first weapons carrier is a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun carrier truck for the outer layer. Russia has been developing a 23 mm airburst ammunition similar to the German AHEAD and Turkish ATOM, which is programmed after being fired to detonate at a calculated time. The high availability of the weapon likely backs Russia’s investment in this option. An airburst munition can increase the chances of success against small targets like FPV UAVs, which are among the main issues Russian infantry and vehicles face. The second weapons carrier is a pickup with a 12.7x108 mm machine gun, highly reminiscent of technicals observed frequently in the Middle East, Africa, and lately, Ukraine. No information was given regarding the presence of sensors or optics on the pickup. Without detection aids, this will have questionable effectiveness due to the significantly shorter range of heavy machine guns compared to anti-aircraft cannons like ZU-23-2. The target has to be large and slow to have a better chance of success. The third vehicle combines a smoke generator and electronic warfare equipment to obscure the acquisition and communication for incoming UAVs. Due to low costs and availability, almost every kamikaze UAV in the war use electro-optics for target acquisition. However, the large enough frame of the vehicles makes this tactic somewhat questionable. Another issue with this system is the possible impact on the targeting performance of anti-aircraft weapons of the unit, which are likely to rely on optics as well. Thus, the smoke generator is more likely to be used during a retreat.