Russia Designs Surveillance Drone Similar to Chinese DJI Mavic

Russia has developed the Sova-13 drone, described as an analogue of the Chinese DJI Mavic, for battlefield surveillance.

The Sova-13 is equipped with a gyrostabilized bispectral optical-electronic module, improving image quality. Its video signal is converted to analog and transmitted directly to the operator’s glasses, a method claimed to be resistant to jamming.

The drone can operate continuously for up to 1.5 hours, exceeding the DJI Mavic’s flight time of approximately 50 minutes. It supports both standard 5.8 GHz frequencies and unique frequencies, reducing the risk of interference from electronic warfare systems.

Operators can customize the Sova-13 by replacing the camera, video transmitter, and antennas before a mission. This adaptability allows the drone to maintain operational flexibility in challenging environments.

According to Russia’s Izvestia, the developers of the Piranha-10 FPV drone, known for destroying the first Abrams tank in the SVO zone, also created the Sova-13. The drone functions as a repeater, expanding the operational range of other UAVs.

The Sova-13 features a modular design, allowing it to be reassembled on the front line to operate on different frequencies, helping counter electronic warfare. "The digital video signal is converted to analog and sent to the operator's glasses, making it difficult to jam," a Piranha Design Bureau spokesperson told Izvestia. "Even if there is interference, the analog signal still displays an image."

The drone can be equipped with a thermal imager, rotary modules, and dual cameras, enhancing its reconnaissance and monitoring capabilities. Its modular design allows soldiers to switch components and frequencies without building a new drone.

Military expert Dmitry Kornev told Izvestia that electronic warfare systems complicate the use of FPV drones. He explained that while electronic warfare systems can quickly adapt to new UAV models, drones operating on different frequencies are harder to counter. Modular designs allow frequency changes at the front line, making it more difficult to suppress them.

Military expert Yuri Lyamin emphasized the importance of repeater drones, which amplify signals and extend UAV range. He noted that repeater drones are useful for FPV drones, reconnaissance missions, and UAVs conducting aerial drops. The Sova-13 has a flight time of over 90 minutes, though this varies depending on its function.

Russia has also developed the Piranha-5 FPV drone to train UAV operators. With a diameter of just over 12 cm, it is smaller and more maneuverable than larger drones. This drone helps operators practice piloting in dynamic environments, learn repair techniques, and adapt to real-world tasks. Despite weighing only 300 grams, the Piranha-5 can carry approximately 1 kg and is suited for missions within a 1-3 km range. This model is the latest addition to the Piranha drone series.