Ukraine has begun deploying the Sky Sentinel RCWS using optics and a heavy machine gun with automated target acquisition in a static configuration against UAVs.
Militarnyi reported that Ukraine has deployed the Sky Sentinel RCWS, developed and operated by the privately owned Carmine Sky as a part of a new initiative to involve the private sector in defence against UAVs in support of the military.
Sky Sentinel RCWS, generally placed on elevated structures for coverage, uses autonomous target acquisition and uses a M2/M3 12.7 mm machine gun. At the same time, the operator who can be stationed far away from the system makes the decision to engage. It is seen that the control consists of commercial gamepads that are already widely available. The use of commercial products in the control of unmanned systems has become highly popular in Ukraine thanks to the availability, modularity, and lower costs. Another notable example in this context is a UGV controlled by Steam Deck, a mobile gaming platform with joysticks, wireless connection, and a wide screen.
The integration of the private sector into the air defence as an experimental initiative might ease up Ukraine’s hand when it comes to deploying short-range defensive systems more rapidly. However, non-government entities are also more susceptible to espionage or sabotage by nature, which necessitates a tight contact with the military wing.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
