Comprehensive solution: interceptor drones began to be used to protect the Thor air defense system

The air defense forces began using tactics in which interceptor drones cover the positions of the Tor-M2 anti-aircraft missile systems. They must shoot down enemy drones approaching a combat vehicle. This will allow the air defense system to focus on long-range and high-altitude targets. Such a decision is also economically justified — it is more profitable to use interceptors to destroy enemy drones than to spend expensive missiles of the Tor themselves, experts explained.

How drones will cover the air defense system

Interceptor drones have begun to be introduced in the air defense forces. Their task is to cover the Tor—M2 anti-aircraft missile systems from enemy drones, sources in the Ministry of Defense told Izvestia. Interceptors are working on SAM positions while they control long-range and high-altitude targets.

The Tor-M2 complex is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 16 km and at an altitude of up to 10 km. The rocket's flight speed is 1000 m/s. One vehicle can carry up to 16 missiles. Each self-propelled gun tracks and simultaneously attacks four targets. In order to keep up with tanks and motorized infantry on marches and in battle, the Torus are mounted on an armored tracked chassis. The vertical launch of missiles allows them to quickly respond to a threat from any direction.

Photo: TASS/Alexander Polegenko

— New tactics are being developed on the battlefield. The interaction of air defense systems with interceptor drones will be recorded in textbooks," Lieutenant General Aytech Bizhev, former deputy head of the Air Force for the CIS Joint Air Defense System, told Izvestia. — "Tors" and drones should work in a single information field and under a single control. This creates an umbrella over the air defense system. If the enemy has discovered the complex and starts attacking with the help of UAVs, then our drones intercept them.

The Torus has a blind spot in a certain range, and it is in this area that interceptor drones should operate, the expert added.

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Russian fighters are practicing tactics of rapid strikes from closed positions, depriving the enemy of the opportunity to counterattack.

Such solutions are also necessary due to the fact that the Tor is a short—range complex and is located close to the line of contact, said military expert Yuri Lyamin.

— That is, it turns out to be just in the zone in which the enemy's FPV drones operate. It is very difficult to detect them by the radar station of the complex itself, they can go at a very low altitude. And such a device can destroy a combat vehicle. We need cheap small funds that can cover these complexes. Interceptor drones are well suited for this, more than any anti—aircraft system," the expert said.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Konstantin Mikhalchevsky

Interceptor drones are a relatively new phenomenon, one of the most promising and actively developing, Yuri Lyamin added. They are actively being developed all over the world. This is also due to economic efficiency.

— It's too expensive to spend an anti-aircraft missile to defend against a small drone. It is better to use it against a larger target, and entrust the cover of the air defense systems themselves to cheaper interceptor drones," the Izvestia source explained.

How are robotic systems used in the military

Earlier, Izvestia reported that Russia has developed a drone tow truck. The device is attached to unmanned aerial vehicles of the copter type. It captures a lost or downed enemy drone and transports it through the air to the positions of Russian units. The range includes models for evacuation of both small and large drones.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Sergey Bobylev

Currently, the military is actively implementing robotic systems that perform a wide range of tasks. For example, ground-based drones have already begun delivering shells to artillery crews. They are used to transport ammunition to self-propelled artillery units (self-propelled guns). The drones are mounted on a tracked chassis, which allows the equipment to operate in any weather and off—road conditions. The systems are controlled like FPV drones, via a radio channel. Thanks to the video image coming from the camera, the operators see all the maneuvers of the car in real time. They control its operation remotely using a remote control.

Other drones are used for mine clearance. UAVs are conducting an aerial search. And when they find an explosive object, they destroy it with drops or overhead charges. The device can descend and place, for example, a TNT block on a mine, which is then remotely detonated. The use of drones allows specialists not to take risks while being at a safe distance.

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In 2024, a new robotic complex for humanitarian demining was tested. It consists of several products. The first is a special quadcopter, which is equipped with a specific set of equipment. The complex also includes a robotic platform for mine clearance — it is made on the basis of a commercial loader. Using a rotary mechanism, it grinds the soil to a depth of about 10 cm, destroying vegetation at the same time. In this way, the robot helps to prepare the area for the work of sappers.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Sergey Bobylev

Soldiers of tank units of the Russian Armed Forces have also begun to train in the management and use of new ground-based robotic systems. They master the driving, maintenance and combat use of these multifunctional systems. Special routes have been built on which fighters learn how to competently overcome artificial and natural obstacles. There are also training firings from small arms equipped with drones. Depending on the configuration, these are 7.62 mm PKK light machine guns or AGS-17 Flame automatic grenade launchers.