Rising innovator: Russian student’s drone may change course of counter-drone warfare VIDEO

In the high-stakes skies of Ukraine, where drones dominate the battlefield, a surprising new player has emerged from an unlikely source—a young student from Russia's Saint Petersburg. Svetlana Kabanova, an aerospace engineering student, has developed an innovative counter-drone drone prototype that could change the course of Russia’s military strategy, offering a cost-effective solution to intercept the small, agile UAVs reshaping modern warfare.

Kabanova’s innovative creation—a convertiplane—blends the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities of a quadcopter with the aerodynamic efficiency of a fixed-wing aircraft, according to Bulgarian media. 

The drone can "fully lie on its wing" during maneuvers, enhancing its aerodynamics and reducing its vulnerability to detection and countermeasures. This design allows the drone to smoothly transition between hovering and high-speed flight, an essential feature for intercepting fast, agile enemy drones.

The prototype combines 3D printing and traditional woodworking, making it both cost-effective and efficient—a crucial factor as Russia faces economic challenges and the need for scalable military technology. Additionally, Kabanova’s drone relies on domestically sourced materials and Compass-3D software, showcasing Russia’s shift towards self-sufficiency due to the ongoing sanctions that have restricted access to foreign components.

This project also highlights the growing role of Russian universities in military innovation, with young engineers like Kabanova responding to the demands of the battlefield. The success of her prototype, which has passed laboratory tests, could significantly impact Russia’s strategy in intercepting small drones used by Ukrainian forces for reconnaissance and light attacks.

As the war continues, drones have reshaped the battlefield, and Kabanova’s work exemplifies how academic institutions and students are playing a crucial role in adapting to modern warfare’s demands.

By Naila Huseynova