Kalashnikov unveils multi-layer system to counter drone threats

The Kalashnikov Concern has outlined a layered approach to countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), combining detection systems, electronic jamming, and the physical destruction of drones across multiple ranges and classes.

The statement was made by a company representative to TASS on the sidelines of the international exhibition “National Security. Belarus-2026.”

“As part of this work, the concern is preparing for serial production of a new short-range surface-to-air missile system for territorial air defence, ‘Krona-E’, designed to protect strategically important facilities from air attack assets, primarily medium-class UAVs,” the source said.

According to the representative, additional layers of defence include automated high-speed interceptor drone systems developed by the concern, capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 7–10 kilometres, as well as intelligent machine-gun systems designed to counter small drones. The effective range of the latter extends up to 450 metres against small UAVs and up to 1.3 kilometres against larger drones such as the “Lyutyi.”

The systems, the representative noted, are designed to receive target designation from compact radar stations, enabling them to effectively cover “dead zones” in existing air defence networks.

“In close combat, specialized anti-drone means are used, including a new 5.45 mm multi-projectile cartridge designed for use in standard Kalashnikov rifles without any structural modifications, as well as a specialized ‘drone-hunting’ version of the MP-155 smoothbore shotgun, effective against low-flying targets at distances of 50–100 metres,” the source said.

He added that these solutions represent a “pragmatic and cost-effective response to a threat that requires a mass-produced and accessible solution.”

By Vafa Guliyeva