Rostec’s New Counter-Drone System to Make International Debut at World Defense Show 2024

Ruselectronics, a division of the Rostec State Corporation, is set to reveal its latest counter-drone system, the Serp-VS6, at the World Defense Show 2024 in Riyadh.

Developed by the Vector Research Institute, this automated system aims to suppress unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and detect drone operators through radio monitoring equipment.

The Serp-VS6 is promoted as an advanced UAV countermeasures system capable of safeguarding against both fast-flying First-Person View (FPV) drones and swarm attacks. According to Rostec, the system can counter drones within a range of up to 5 km under direct radio visibility conditions. It claims the ability to jam multiple UAVs simultaneously, even if they approach from different directions. The system is designed to operate effectively in azimuthal sectors of 90 degrees, allowing for the safe use of one's own UAVs for monitoring.

In addition to the Serp-VS6, Rostec is showcasing radio monitoring equipment that identifies drones and their operators through control signals. Operating in a passive mode without emitting active radio signals, the equipment remains invisible to other radio devices while recording drone locations based on control signals.

Sergei Skorykh, General Director of the Vector Research Institute, highlighted the system's capability to combat high-speed drones, including the FPV type, which poses challenges due to its speed and resistance to radio jamming. Testing of the Serp-VS6 modification concluded in 2023, and deliveries to the Russian civilian market are reportedly underway.

Both the Serp-VS6 and the radio monitoring equipment are presented in portable cases, with the ability to be brought into operating mode within 30 minutes. These systems can also be mounted on a mobile platform for enhanced flexibility in deployment.