The system is already being used against UAVs and is designed to protect critical infrastructure.
Interceptor drones, automated anti-UAV systems, tactical medical devices and other special equipment were presented at the IV All-Russian Weapons Forum in Moscow. One of the most interesting innovations is the automated "Kalitka-KA" complex, designed to protect against drone attacks. It is equipped with an automatic turret, which can be mounted with machine guns of different calibers. The ""St. John's Wort"" complex with high-speed interceptor drones "Kraken" was also demonstrated there. The presented systems already have experience in combat use and are designed, among other things, to protect important industrial and infrastructural facilities, their developers said.
UAV Hunters
A special audience gathered in the exhibition hall — representatives of large arms concerns and factories, designers and veterans of the military. They look at all new items with professional interest, ask for specifications and expertly discuss the details of combat use and further development of the presented samples.
— Today we present two novelties on countering enemy UAVs. ""Kalitka" automated system and the "St. John's Wort" air defense system. We already have experience in the combat use of these complexes to protect critical and important facilities," said Alan Lushnikov, General Director of "Kalashnikov Concern" JSC.
"Kalitka-KA" is designed for round-the-clock detection and destruction of inconspicuous targets at low and extremely low altitudes. The complex includes an automated turret, an optoelectronic module with two day cameras, a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager, as well as a remote control panel. Information about the goals is displayed on its screen.
"Now such turrets are usually equipped with a 7.62 mm PKT, but its design allows for the installation of more powerful machine guns," a representative of the concern told Izvestia.
Automation accompanies the target, calculates the trajectory, pre-emption and ballistic coefficients, which allows the operator to remotely control the fire. The remote control can be placed at a distance of up to several kilometers.
The calculation of the complex consists of two people. During combat operation, one is at the remote control, the second is directly at the installation and is responsible for eliminating delays in firing and replacing ammunition boxes.
According to the concern, the effectiveness of the "Gate-KA" against attack drones, depending on their type and distance, can reach up to 100%. They also reported that more than 200 aircraft and multirotor types of UAVs were destroyed in one of their areas in three months with the help of the complex.
"Kalitka-KA" is planned to be used to protect transport and other critical infrastructure, industrial, departmental, educational and medical facilities.
Another system presented for combating UAVs is "St. John's Wort". It includes a radar, an optical targeting system with a laser rangefinder, a ground control station and three launch containers, each of which houses three high-speed "Kraken" interceptor drones.
Anti—aircraft UAVs are available in two versions - with and without a warhead. The latter destroy the drones with a battering ram. The complex is automated: after the operator's command, the interceptor drones take off from the containers and head for the target. The stated target range is up to 6 km.
"""""" The complex is capable of shooting down Ukrainian drones "Leleka", "Fierce", "Beaver" and "Hornet—XR", - said commercial director of the division for protection against unmanned systems Alexander Pavlov.
The latest modification of "St. John's Wort" was presented at the exhibition. Earlier versions of the complex have already been used in the SVO zone.
From stretcher to knife
Other developments were also shown at the forum. The "Campo" company presented a line of knives for hiking trips and special purpose blades. Among the most interesting samples is a rescue knife for astronauts, which allows you to cut not only slings, but also durable spacesuit materials.
The medical division of "Kalashnikov" concern has shown an updated line of tactical products recommended for inclusion in the combat equipment of the units of the Russian Armed Forces.
These include homeostatic dressing packages based on kaolin, which are already being supplied to the troops. According to the director of the division Vasily Khudoleev, according to the conclusion of the Military Medical Academy, the rate of stopping massive bleeding when using them is 95%.
Another development is a travois stretcher for evacuating the wounded from the battlefield in a group or alone. Due to their size, they can be used in destroyed rooms and narrow trenches.
Also, a portable water filter was shown at the forum, which was tested in the free zone. The device is the size of a small pencil case and can be carried in your pocket. It is based on a membrane with micropores, which, according to the manufacturer, retains mechanical and chemical impurities, bacteria and heavy metals. The filter allows you to get drinkable water even from polluted sources.
The exhibition shows well how quickly the domestic industry adapts to the demands of the front and the need to protect infrastructure facilities from long-range enemy UAVs. At the same time, all the presented products are already in use or have been tested in combat conditions, which means they are ready for use.
Bogdan Stepovoy
