Peter Suciu
Both sides in the ongoing war in Ukraine are increasingly using fiber-optic drones, which are directly connected to their operator and cannot be jammed by electronic warfare methods. The Kalashnikov Concern—once led by legendary Soviet arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov, famous around the world for his creation of the AK-47 assault rifle—will continue to produce small arms for the Russian military and export market. However, the state-owned weapons manufacturer has also pivoted to other platforms, most notably unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Russian-based firm is now providing an enhanced “20-day-endurance” Kvazimachta drone to support the Kremlin’s so-called special military operation in Ukraine.
Unlike other drones that can operate for only a few hours, the Kvazimachta reconnaissance UAS can reportedly remain airborne for up to 500 hours. “As a rule, there is no need for such continuous operation. As a rule, it operates for 24 hours. That is, it hovers in the air, then an operator brings it down to check if everything is all right and its diesel generator can be replaced or some other maintenance is carried out,” Kalashnikov Group Director for Exports of Drones and Loitering Munitions Leonid Rokeakh told state news agency TASS on Monday.
According to Rokeakh, the drone remains active the entire time, with its power and data also transmitted via a cable to the ground. While the tether reduces its range, the recon track can maintain control on the perimeter for long durations. In addition, the drone can also provide a video feed via optical and infrared bands in real time to ground-based terminals.
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