August 25, 2025

Information Cutoff: 12 pm ET, August 20

Andrew Raynus, Zachary Yacht, Sofia Walsh, Tetiana Trach, Kateryna Stepanenko, and George Barros

Russian developers continue to introduce and test new kinetic anti-drone measures such as drone interceptors, thermal imaging sighting systems, and lasers. A Russian milblogger who focuses on Russian unmanned systems developments published footage on August 14, claiming that the optical-electronic module on Russia’s Yolka drone interceptor is artificial intelligence (AI) synchronized and can detect a 100-centimeter drone wingspan up to 700–1000 meters away, and advocated that such systems be deployed to defend Russian surface-to-air (SAM) missile systems. Another Russian milblogger posted footage on July 29 of a Russian Yolka drone interceptor downing a Ukrainian Baba Yaga drone and claimed that Russia has been using these interceptors since at least May 2025. The Yolka interceptor launches by catapult and operates on a fire-and-forget model due to its AI-based homing capability. The interceptor reportedly has no explosive warhead and simply intercepts targets with a kinetic strike. The milblogger claimed that Russia will attempt to adapt interceptor drones to intercept long-range Ukrainian drones. A different Russian milblogger posted footage on August 10 showing a new Russian drone that fires a shotgun-like combat load to destroy Ukrainian Mavic and Baba Yaga drones. Russian firms presented a variety of interceptor drones at the ”Archipelago 2025” exhibition, which was part of Russia’s larger Unmanned Systems Technologies of the Future forum. One displaced interceptor, the Skvorets PVO, has an AI-based target capture and active interception system and claims to be able to intercept targets at a maximum speed of 270 kilometers per hour. The Bolt interceptor drone and radar system can receive target designations from external radars.

The Kinzhal interceptor drone (not to be confused with the Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile) claims to be capable of independently striking targets, capable of being integrated into an autonomous drone detection system, and able to fly at a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour. The Ovod PVO system reportedly can intercept drones using a kinetic strike or an integrated warhead. The Ovod system can also be controlled manually or with an onboard guidance system. The Krestnik M maritime interceptor drone can combat moving surface targets by launching from air, land, and sea platforms. Kremlin newswire TASS reported that the Russian Central Bank also presented its “Digital Patrol” acoustic sensor network that can detect, classify, locate, and predict the flight paths of drones at the forum. TASS also reported on August 10 that Russia‘s Kalashnikov weapons enterprise displayed the Granat-4 drone, which uses a laser target designation system to collect targeting information and provides automatic target tracking from 100 meters to 12 kilometers.

Russian Technological Adaptations

• Russian developers continue to introduce and test new kinetic anti-drone measures such as drone interceptors, thermal imaging sighting systems, and lasers.



• Russian and Ukrainian forces are racing to create “smart minefields” by developing complex mining systems.

• Russia is reportedly collaborating with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to develop an automated command and control (C2) system for amphibious operations.

• The Russian Rubikon Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies reportedly developed new unmanned surface vehicles (USVs).

Russian Unmanned Systems Tactics



• Russian forces are reportedly conducting an echeloned deployment of first-person view (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) interceptor systems in Ukraine, which may be enabling Russian advances.

• Russia reportedly established the first drone control center in Kamchatka Peninsula.

Russian Defense Industrial Base

• Russian recruiters are continuing to recruit Russian and Central Asian children and teenagers to construct the Alabuga factory and produce drones at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

• The Kremlin officially extended tax benefits for some Russian drone manufacturers to incentivize Russian development and production of tactical drones.

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