Fearing Ukrainian Attacks, Russia Develops New Anti-Drone System for Energy Facilities

Rostec’s Roselectronics Holding delivered the first batch of new Serp-VS anti-drone systems to fuel and energy facilities.

“We see the risks associated with the growing use of drones in both the military and civilian spheres. The facilities of the fuel and energy complex are among the critically important infrastructure of our country. The development of Roselectronics makes it possible to increase their safety by means of radio-electronic impact on drones of various manufacturers,” said Oleg Yevtushenko, Executive Director of Rostec.

This announcement comes days after Russia targeted Ukraine’s electric grid, leaving millions without power. The U.S. sent gear to repair these facilities, before temperature in the country drops next week.

The equipment is designed to fight small drones, can operate autonomously at a remote position and protect both mobile and stationary objects. Combining several such systems allows you to organize the protection of an extended infrastructure.

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Serp-VS can suppress the control channel of the drone, cut off communication with the operator, disable navigation equipment, disorient the drone in space and disrupt the flight mission. The system neutralizes GPS, GLONASS, Beidou signals (in the L1, L2, L5 bands), and also breaks drone control over Wi-Fi.

The device can provide protection against drones of both stationary and mobile objects. The power consumption of the transmitter is 150 W, and the range is up to 3 km. Serp-VS "sees" the intruder UAV in the sector from -10 to 80 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally. Communication with its own control center is carried out via an Ethernet network.

As part of Ruselectronics, the development, supply and installation of systems is carried out by the Vector Research Institute.

“The development of UAVs has led to the fact that small amateur drones have been actively used for industrial espionage and sabotage of critical infrastructure. At a height of several tens of meters, such a device is invisible to the eye, it is impossible to bring it down. Therefore, electronic warfare equipment, primarily focused on working with small aircraft, is the only effective countermeasure,” said Andrey Sorokin, Deputy General Director for Business Development at the Vector Research Institute. 

Research Institute "Vector" is one of the leading enterprises in Russia in the development and production of products in the fields of radio engineering and radio electronics.