Russian MoD has published the new Rapira-2 C-UAS system testing footage combining a machine gun and jammer to intercept UAV threats.
Rapira-2 was revealed in the Forum-Army 2024 exhibition alongside Rapira-3, which uses unguided 80 mm rockets with proximity fuse instead of machine guns to engage UAVs.
Upon detecting the target, Rapira-2 can use its jammer and/or PK 7.62 mm machine gun for engagement. While the PK machine gun doesn't have a very long range or fire rate (750 RPM for most variants), it is easy to resupply in the field, as 7.62x54 mmR ammunition is a common sight throughout the Russian troops. The system has been mounted on a 4x4 armoured vehicle for mobility.
Turkiye's ASELSAN has developed a similar solution in terms of using a machine gun as new software for its SARP line of RCWS. The new software allows for optical tracking of small UAVs and engagement for machine gun-armed SARP RCWSs. The company also has developed the ŞAHİN C-UAS system utilising a SARP variant with independently moving optics and a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher with ATOM airburst ammunition.
Machine guns have become a new alternative against small UAVs in the Russo-Ukrainian War for squads and platoons thanks to low costs and simplicity of operation. To enhance this solution, solutions like Rapira-2 and SARP's C-UAS capability upgrade have been developed, and it is safe to assume these won't be the only ones shortly.
