Russian firm Develops New Kamikaze Drone

Russia’s Unmanned Aviation Design Bureau has developed a portable, tube-launched loitering munition called Vector-120.

"Engineering efforts and pilot production of individual units of the Vector-120 loitering munition are underway now," the design bureau told government-owned TASS. "We plan to enter the flight test phase as early as 2024. The device will be launched from a disposable launch tube in the serviceman’s gear.”

Vector-120 will be able to carry a payload in the form of a 220-250 gram warhead. "This is quite enough to surpass the destructive effect of RGD-5 or F-1 grenades or compete with the RPG-7 grenade launcher round," the design bureau noted.

Similar mechanisms are used in AeroVironment’s Switchblade, the developer said. However, in contrast to the American product, the Vector-120 can start from any position. "The item can be launched without visible smoke, fly to a certain distance from the launcher, unfold its wings and carry out the flight mission," the company added.