Drone battle: Russia will test a unique system for protecting industrial facilities from UAVs

The development of a new generation hardware and software complex is being completed in the Russian Federation. Its goal is to protect large industrial and infrastructural facilities in Russia from UAVs. It consists of a complex of interceptor drones, specialized equipment for controlling drones and a monitoring system using sensors. The anti-drone solution, in fact, combines the functions of detection, tracking and interception in the form of a single system. The full launch of the complex is scheduled for 2026. Read more about the new product in the Izvestia article.

Why do we need a new anti-drone complex?

The Inpoint project of an innovative anti-drone protection system for large objects combines the functions of detecting, tracking and intercepting UAVs. As the developers told Izvestia, the complex can be adapted to the needs of any enterprise or infrastructure.

Two types of sensors are used for detection and identification: acoustic and optoelectronic. The first ones pick up acoustic signals emitted by drones — even at great distances, they record the characteristic noise of propellers or engines, alerting the system to the approach of a potential threat.

At the same time, the optoelectronic station (ECO) scans the airspace using cameras and laser scanners, visually confirming the presence of the drone and determining the type, size and other characteristics. This two-stage system allows you not only to "see" the threat, but also to assess its type, which is crucial for choosing interception tactics.

After the target is detected and identified, the neutralization module is activated. Here, Inpoint uses interceptor drones that are launched from a launcher integrated into the system. These interceptors are not just "flying platforms", but high-tech devices capable of approaching a target autonomously or on command, capturing it or interfering with it in order to disable the intruder drone. It is important that the launcher is controlled by its own software: it receives data on the coordinates and trajectory of the threat, calculates the optimal route for the interceptor and launches it at the right moment.

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All system components work in a single software environment. Data from the sensors is instantly transmitted to the central processor, which analyzes them, makes a decision and sends commands to the launcher. This integration eliminates delays and increases the accuracy of the system's response. At the moment, two models of interceptor drones and a prototype sound sensor have been created, which are being tested.

— Our project will provide protection against aircraft-type aircraft. It also allows us to test hypotheses and work out solutions in a shorter time than existing concepts on the market," said Tatiana Kurkina, the leader of the startup created with the support of NTI.

The main task of the system is to automatically repel drone attacks, protecting infrastructure facilities from multimillion—dollar losses, the technologists noted. According to them, this is the first solution of its kind to protect against large aircraft-type drones. In the future, they plan to extend protection to residential buildings and social facilities.

A full-fledged launch of the complex, developed with the participation of the Scientific and Production Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems of the Yaroslavl region (NPC BAS YAO), is scheduled for 2026. Before that, the system will be tested.

What the anti-drone system can do

The need for such technologies in Russia is high and continues to grow, according to Igor Bederov, founder of the Internet Search company, NTI SafeNet market expert. According to various estimates, the market volume in the Russian Federation by the end of 2025 may range from 30 to 90 billion rubles. This is due to the increased attacks on infrastructure facilities, fuel and energy complex and other industrial enterprises.

— Demand from non-critical infrastructure facilities is also growing. At the same time, demand is shifting from simple solutions (for example, anti-drone guns) towards complex systems integrated into the facility's infrastructure. The introduction of such a complex would help to avoid damage or at least minimize it," the expert told Izvestia.

He noted that the protection of critical facilities in Russia is characterized by the high cost of implementing and maintaining integrated protection systems. Another factor was the need for their constant modernization due to rapidly developing drone technologies, as well as dependence on imported components, which can create vulnerabilities in the face of sanctions. Optionally, the risks should include insufficient training of personnel, the risk of ineffective systems and lack of after-sales service, which the business is already complaining about.

Among the main challenges for developers, he highlighted the high cost of implementing and maintaining such systems, as well as the need for their constant modernization due to rapidly developing drone technologies. Another factor is dependence on imported components, which can create vulnerabilities in the face of sanctions. In addition, we can talk about insufficient staff training, lack of after-sales service, which the business is already complaining about.

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According to Pavel Kamnev, commercial director of Laboratory of the Future, a system based solely on acoustic identification is not entirely viable, since detection occurs only when the drone approaches the object.

— Now another direction is developing — microwave damage, in which the device emits a high-frequency pulse that destroys the intruder drone, — the expert specified.

He also recalled that the work of interceptor drones at civilian facilities has legal difficulties. A drone may fall on an enterprise, residential buildings, transport, and people may be injured. Developers of interception systems need to understand that when working at civilian facilities, they are responsible for the damage caused.

Inpoint should still be considered a promising project at the initial stage of technological readiness, said Yuri Vinogradov, Deputy General Director of ANO NPC Ushkuynik.

The project was first presented at Archipelago 2025, an educational and design fair within the framework of the Unmanned Systems: Technologies of the Future forum. It takes place within the framework of the forum-festival "Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030".