Putin's bodyguard spotted with secret anti-drone weapon — is this Russia's new shield?

Economic Times

a day ago

Putin's bodyguard holding a suspected Yolka anti-drone weapon sparks global buzz. The compact, high-tech device may signal a new era of mobile drone defense as Russia boosts its military strategy.
A recent video from Moscow's Victory Day parade has stirred global curiosity and concern. In the short clip, a man walking close to Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen holding a mysterious, X-shaped device. Experts believe this isn't just a piece of luggage or a tech prop—it could be a classified anti-drone weapon being tested or used by the Russian security team.
As tensions rise globally and drone warfare becomes more frequent, the sight of this portable weapon raises a crucial question: Is Russia gearing up for real-time drone threats, even in public?
The device, carried discreetly by one of Putin's bodyguards, is believed to be a small, handheld kinetic interceptor drone, possibly named Yolka —a highly secretive piece of military technology developed to destroy small attack drones in real-time.
Unlike large, fixed air-defense systems like Russia's S-400 or Pantsir, this new anti-drone system is personal, mobile, and silent. Reports suggest the Yolka is designed to launch in seconds and intercept enemy drones mid-air using thermal sensors and a self-destruct payload.
This means the drone not only chases the threat but also destroys itself to neutralize incoming FPV drones—just like the ones Ukraine has used to strike inside Russian territory. It's small, light, and powerful enough to be carried by a presidential guard in public view.
For the first time, we're seeing Russia's drone defense strategy going mobile and personal. That's a big shift.
Traditionally, Putin's protection relied on electronic warfare systems to jam or disable threats from afar. But with the rise of unjammable, fiber-optic FPV drones—which are harder to detect and stop—Russia is changing its tactics. This move shows that even high-level VIP protection now requires close-range counter-drone systems.
The fact that this kind of weapon showed up in a major national parade means Russia is taking the threat of drone attacks seriously—even in controlled environments like Red Square. Though Russia hasn't officially confirmed the Yolka by name, multiple defense analysts and drone experts have said the device likely matches what's known in closed circles as a Yolka interceptor. It's designed to detect and destroy incoming drones within seconds using the following: Heat-seeking sensors for locking onto targets
for locking onto targets Autonomous flight controls (fire-and-forget style)
(fire-and-forget style) Self-destruction mechanism on impact
on impact Compact launcher for shoulder or hand use Its primary purpose? Taking down enemy FPV drones at close range—before they get close to VIPs or sensitive areas. This makes the Yolka a perfect fit for urban security and battlefield escort protection, especially in a time when drone attacks can happen with almost no warning. This isn't just about a bodyguard with a fancy gadget. The sighting ties directly into a larger shift in Russia's military focus. In June 2025, Putin announced the creation of a new branch of armed forces dedicated to drone warfare. This drone force, expected to be active by the end of the year, will include offensive and defensive units using UAVs, kamikaze drones, and anti-drone interceptors like the one spotted at the parade. The presence of the Yolka-style drone at such a high-profile event suggests that drone warfare has now entered everyday military protocol—even at the level of presidential security. This moment is more than just a cool military sighting. It's a warning shot to the rest of the world. Countries like the U.S., China, and members of NATO are closely watching Russia's real-world use of portable counter-drone systems. The fact that bodyguards are now part of frontline anti-drone defense shows a shift from military bases to mobile, close-quarter protection strategies. This could set a trend globally, where presidential and VIP security units begin carrying portable drone-killing weapons as part of their standard gear. Drone warfare is no longer restricted to battlefields. With cheap, easy-to-build FPV drones being used in covert attacks worldwide, governments are racing to build compact, effective, and mobile anti-drone solutions. Putin's guard carrying a potential Yolka interceptor is more than symbolism—it's proof that high-level figures expect drone threats to show up anywhere, anytime.
This shift signals a new era in warfare:
Traditional jamming is no longer enough.
Electronic warfare is giving way to kinetic interception.
Personal security now includes real-time drone defense. While the Russian government hasn't officially confirmed the device, the evidence speaks for itself. The presence of such a weapon with Putin's bodyguards shows how seriously Russia is adapting to the changing face of warfare. If this is indeed the Yolka, or something even more advanced, it may become a blueprint for personal anti-drone defense around the world. The future of VIP protection may no longer be just bulletproof vests—it may also include pocket-sized drone interceptors. In a world where drones are fast, cheap, and deadly, Russia's 'invisible shield' may not stay secret for long. Q1: What is the Yolka anti-drone weapon spotted with Putin's bodyguard? It's a handheld drone interceptor likely used for real-time protection against FPV drone attacks.
Q2: Why does Russia's use of kinetic interceptor drones matter for defense investors? It shows growing military demand for mobile, personal anti-drone technologies amid rising drone threats.