Latest news with #CUAS
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Russian MiG-29 Fitted With An 'Interceptor Drone' Is A Laughable Mess
Bizarre footage has emerged from Russia and is circulating on social media showing what's claimed to be part of an experiment to integrate a counter-uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) interceptor drone on a MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter. On closer inspection, the quadcopter drone is lashed to the fighter using zip ties and, even if that weren't the case, the practicality of the solution is extremely questionable — to say the least. But it is certainly not the first example of a Russian weapons manufacturer creating an ultimately laughable PR stunt. Relevant for combat or just PR? Russia's Project Archangel is showing the "integration" of their CUAS interceptor drone with a fighter jet "…so that the interceptor can be "piloted" by a jet fighter crew." But the drone is zip tied to the plane, so… — Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) August 10, 2025 The video was made by Project Archangel, a Russian volunteer group that has dedicated itself to 'the creation of UAVs,' mostly of the first-person view (FPV) type. These kinds of drones have become a signature weapon of the war in Ukraine, widely used by both sides, and with an increasing array of different launch platforms. The footage shows one of Archangel's quadcopter interceptor drones mounted under the outer wing of a Russian Aerospace Forces MiG-29SMT (izdeliye 9.19R). The jury-rigged installation involves the drone being attached to a sensor housing for the jet's radar warning receiver system, held secure there by commercial-type zip ties. Clearly, there is no way for the jet to actually launch the drone with this kind of setup, and clearing a drone for air-launch would require extensive trials, regardless. There is nothing to indicate the drone would survive the rigors of high-speed jet flight — especially given that it's fitted with four vulnerable propellers. In fact, it's doubtful if the jet would even be able to safely take off with a drone fixed to it in this manner. Then there is the very real possibility that it might interfere with the host aircraft's self-protection system, which it is attached to. Otherwise, the video shows a member of the Archangel team sitting in the cockpit of the Fulcrum. It concludes with a takeoff by a Flanker-series fighter, with no evidence that this aircraft is fitted with an interceptor drone. The date and location of the video are not disclosed, but it's worth noting that the Russian Ministry of Defense ordered a batch of just 14 MiG-29SMT (9.19R) fighters in 2014, making use of uncompleted airframes at Mikoyan's Moscow factory. They were delivered to the training base at Privolzhsky near Astrakhan and are not known to have seen any combat use in precise relationship between Project Archangel and the Russian Armed Forces is not entirely clear, but the group is one of several that have been set up since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with the aim of rapidly producing large numbers of FPV drones, harnessing commercial expertise and manufacturing capacity. Back in late 2023, drone expert Samuel Bendett postulated that Project Archangel was receiving Russian Ministry of Defense funding, as it increasingly embraced the opportunities offered by private initiatives of this type. In the past, Archangel has claimed that its quadcopter interceptor drone can reach a speed of up to 350 kilometers per hour (217 miles per hour) and fly over a distance of 50 kilometers (31 miles). These claims have not been verified. However, counter-air drones have to fly faster and higher than their standard FPV counterparts used for striking ground targets. The Russians has created Archangel interceptor drones to destroy UAVs and naval is claimed that the drone exists in 4 modifications, develops a speed of up to 350 km/h and has a range of 50 km. Equipped with a warhead from 650 to 2,500 grams. — MAKS 25 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) August 11, 2025 As for the group's latest claim, this states that it's working to 'integrate interceptor drones directly onto fighter jets.' In a statement on its Telegram channel, Archangel says: 'After a long search for the ideal location for our guided interceptors (which, incidentally, is still ongoing), we decided to place the interceptor on MiGs.' The statement continues: 'Of course, the aircraft itself moves a little faster than our drone's cruising speed, but it can deliver the interceptor directly to Kyiv or Lviv.' This is an entirely unrealistic aspiration, not least considering the extensive Ukrainian air defense threats concentrated on these locations, which Russian fighters do not operate even near. Even approach the front is a very dangerous game for fighters at this time. Putting aside the fact that the drone, using the installation illustrated, is entirely immobile on the aircraft, it's by no means clear how it would be operated if it were able to be released. 'The communication issue has been resolved in a radical way,' Archangel claims. 'In order not to rack our brains over the technical part, we simply trained our crew to fly a fighter jet.' The final statement, which suggests that drone operators would be retrained to fly a complex and extremely expensive fighter jet, is frankly implausible. At the same time, it also stretches credibility that the pilot of any single-seat fighter would be able to manually direct a drone to slam into a moving target, especially an aerial one. After all, the vast majority of FPV drones that go after moving targets or targets of opportunity are equipped with man-in-the-loop control. This means someone is manually flying (or more like directing) these weapons in real time and selecting their targets, normally using a headset. It also requires a continuous line-of-sight datalink between the drone and its controller. FPV drones that are not controlled in this manner are assigned to hit fixed targets, basically a set of coordinates on the map, which would be irrelevant for the drone-interception mission. For now, we can say with confidence that there is next to no chance of Russia using fighter jets to send interceptor drones into battle against hostile UAS in the skies over Ukraine any time soon. That said, there's no doubt that Russia is increasingly looking at the potential for using drones to intercept other hostile drones. Meanwhile, there are certainly moves to develop air-launched FPVs, as well as loitering munitions, and more advanced 'air launched effects' (ALEs), with a degree of blurring between the definitions of these. Ultimately, these will become a more common capability on a range of aircraft types, but this effort from Archangel is clearly highly aspirational at best. Whether strapping an interceptor drone to an antenna on a MiG-29 might help boost Project Archangel's profile is questionable. But it does underscore the fact that defenses against drones are a very high-profile issue in Russia. Contact the author: thomas@ Solve the daily Crossword
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Hyderabad's Unistring Tech secures first prize for R&D excellence in defence
HYDERABAD: Unistring Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd has won the first prize in the SME category for excellence in R&D at the ELCINA defennovation awards 2025. The award recognises the company's indigenous development of a high-performance Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) jammer, a significant milestone in India's journey toward self-reliance in advanced defense technologies, a release from the company said on Friday. The CUAS jammer marks a major advancement in India's electronic warfare capabilities. Designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones through non-kinetic electronic countermeasures, the system addresses growing threats from asymmetric aerial warfare targeting armed forces and critical infrastructure.
Entrepreneur
25-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Defence Tech Startup Armory Raises INR 13 Cr to Strengthen Counter Drone Capabilities
The capital will be deployed to accelerate R&D, ramp up manufacturing, and enhance field deployment of its indigenous counter drone technologies. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Defence tech startup Armory has raised INR 13 crore in a funding round led by growX ventures, with participation from Industrial 47, Antler, AC Ventures, and Dexter Ventures. The capital will be deployed to accelerate R&D, ramp up manufacturing, and enhance field deployment of its indigenous counter drone technologies. Founded in 2024 by Amardeep Singh, an IIT Bombay alumnus and aerospace engineer, Armory develops Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) to detect, deny, and destroy rogue drones — an urgent and growing threat in modern warfare. Its flagship solution, SURGE, moved from concept to successful field trials with Army regiments in just six months. "It's increasingly obvious that the future of warfare is autonomous drones and electronic warfare," said Amardeep Singh, Founder and CEO. "The only way to deter them is to build advanced countermeasures. The foundation of India's self-reliant defence is being built right now, and we aim to play a leading role in it." Armory's systems are powered by its proprietary Samaritan OS, an AI first defence operating system that allows real time adaptability and continuous learning — capabilities missing from traditional defence technologies. Manish Gupta, General Partner at growX ventures, said, "India's national security priorities are rapidly evolving, and Armory is one of the few startups addressing these changes at the pace of software. Their AI led, indigenous approach is exactly what India's defence tech ecosystem needs." Rahul Seth, Founder and General Partner at Industrial 47, added, "Weaponised drones are the IEDs of our era. Counter drone systems will soon be as common as CCTV cameras. Armory is building the airspace security infrastructure that will become essential." Armory is also exploring international partnerships to expand its "Make in India, Made for the World" strategy, aligning closely with India's growing role in global defence innovation.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Odisha police fast tracks acquisition of anti-drone tech
Bhubaneswar: have fast-tracked its proposed acquisition of amid the , marking a significant step in modernising the state's security general of police Y B Khurania reviewed the plan's status. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "This technology is crucial for maintaining state security in today's evolving threat landscape. We will expedite the acquisition process," Khurania said. Odisha police have not disclosed the specific timeline for implementation or the cost of the project, citing security experts emphasise procurement of anti-drone or counter unmanned aerial system ( ) has become increasingly urgent, given the rising instances of drones being used in terror activities and criminal operations. The technology would enable police authorities to detect, track, and neutralise unauthorized or rogue unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)."Modern warfare and criminal activities have evolved significantly. Drones represent a new frontier in security threats that we must be prepared to counter. While our armed forces are equipped with the technology, police in states should be armed with CUAS," said retired police officer Santosh per the plan of Odisha police, this proposed advanced equipment shall be deployed to safeguard VIP gatherings, sensitive security areas, and locations where these aerial devices could potentially trigger law and order to police officials, the initiative aligns with national security guidelines regarding drone regulations and restricted airspace protection. As per plan, the state police may obtain some anti-drone guns to tackle the growing menace. The anti-drone system will include radar detection capabilities, radio frequency analysis, and optical sensors to identify flying objects within restricted airspace. These sophisticated devices can track multiple drones simultaneously and determine their exact location, altitude, and direction of flight, police sources technology will enable law enforcement to differentiate between authorised and unauthorised drones, helping them counter potential security threats. The system also incorporates signal jamming mechanisms to safely ground suspicious drones without causing collateral to the drone rules 2021 released by the Union civil aviation ministry, registration of unmanned aircraft systems is mandatory, and no person shall operate an unmanned aircraft system without first registering it on the digital sky platform and obtaining a unique identification number. "Drone operators must get themselves registered with the director general of civil aviation's 'DigitalSky' portal. Upon registration, the operator would be given a unique identification number (UIN)," another police officer said.
India.com
10-05-2025
- India.com
How a counter-UAV system works to neutralise Pakistan's drone intrusion in India?
Under Operation Sindoor, India avenged the Pahalgam terror attack by destroying nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. Frustrated by this action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian cities adjoining the border on the night of May 8, but received a befitting reply from the Indian Army. The Indian Army destroyed Pakistan's drones using its robust air defence system. The Air Force used the Advanced Counter UAV System (CUAS) to neutralise Pakistan's drone. How does an Advanced counter-UAV system work? The Advanced Counter UAV System included jammers, soft kill, hard kill, Pechora, SAMAR, and air defence guns. The Air Force monitored the drone's activities, route, and map with the help of the Integrated Command and Control Center. For your information, the Indian Air Force responded to this threat in a restrained manner, which is why India did not suffer any major damage. Due to the Advanced Counter UAV System, many of Pakistan's missiles and drones were destroyed. It is designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones, especially in sensitive areas like borders or military zones. A look at the steps: The radar systems detect the movement of drones in the airspace. Infrared and visual cameras help in tracking drones, especially at night or in low visibility conditions. Once a drone is detected, it's important to determine whether it's a threat or not. This involves analysing its flight pattern and size. Jamming involves sending interference signals to disrupt the drone's communication with its operator, causing it to lose control or return to its base. Advanced counter-UAV systems are integrated into broader defence networks for coordinated responses and real-time updates. India deployed advanced counter-UAV systems to intercept and neutralise incoming drones from Pakistan. These systems played a crucial role in protecting sensitive areas and preventing potential threats.
