From Nadir Towards Zenith: The Rise of Russian Anti-drone Capability

Abstract

Russia is often known to be a mighty power when it comes to Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) Weapon Systems.  In the past, Russian GBAD arsenal has shown a ‘chink in the armour’ and that ‘chink’ is its conspicuous deficit of tailor-made anti-drone weaponry.

This work explores how this deficit has cost the Russians heavily in the past, in terms of disproportionate casualties at the hand of adversary’s drone and missile power. The same was amply visible in the earlier months of the Russia-Ukraine War, till it was addressed in the years that followed. 

Keywords: Ukrainian Drones, Russian Anti-drone Systems, Russia-Ukraine War