Another UAV recorded the attack on a Norwegian-made system. The type of kamikaze UAV wasn’t given. Given the explosion size, it is likely not a modified small UAV.
Russia is currently using modified small UAVs and the Lancet family of kamikaze UAVs against Ukraine in the war. ZALA Aero, the manufacturer of Lancet, is actively pushing for increased production and new variants.
Another instance where Russia struck a Ukrainian air defence system was a ZALA Lancet hitting a Ukrainian Buk M1 medium-altitude air defence system.
Both sides are utilising various kamikaze UAVs to strike the air defence systems, which have little to no measures to defend themselves, especially against the small ones. This is because of the lack of onboard capability as well as the lack of any guarding assets near them like jammers.
For this reason, air defence system manufacturers around the world are updating their designs or making new ones with various capabilities to repel incoming kamikaze drones. Examples of these capabilities can be given as airburst munitions, small AESA radars with 360-degree coverage, jammers, and laser weapons.
The U.S.’s new low-altitude air defence systems are mostly centred around the XM914 30x113 mm chain gun with proximity fused munitions and 360-degree radar distribution.
The European MBDA is developing the SADM missile with IR guidance as a small-size and low-cost missile to engage UAVs at longer ranges compared to guns. Up to 18 missiles can be fitted on a launcher that is also armed with a machine gun.
Germany’s latest air defence system, Skyranger 30, incorporates a 30x173 mm cannon with a high fire rate and capability to fire AHEAD airburst ammunition, as well as onboard jammers. The detection is provided by AESA radars, much like MADIS.
Turkiye is working on GÜRZ air defence systems with many effectors to defend against UAVs. The system combines gun, missiles, laser, and jammer options.
Russia Hits Ukrainian NASAMS Launcher With UAV
