The special military operation conducted by the Russian army in Ukraine has already identified a number of new requirements for weapons, including in terms of increasing their automation, accuracy and other characteristics. Under these conditions, Rostec State Corporation focuses on the development of military complexes with new qualities. As Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec, said in an interview with RIA Novosti columnist Dmitry Reshetnikov on the eve of the international military-technical forum "Army-2022", the corporation has developed and will show at the exhibition a new complex of automated control of rocket and barrel artillery, which is capable of working with any drones and exchanging information with reconnaissance radars, a new system eliminates the possibility of human error. Also at the "Army", the corporation will present a new combat robot designed for actions, for example, in urban conditions. In addition, Artyakov spoke about the completed development of small anti-aircraft guided missiles for the destruction of drones and MLRS shells and other means of air attack, the completed state tests of a light floating tank and the development of a prototype of a full-fledged combined-arms exoskeleton.
– What are Rostec's plans for the Army this year?
– The program, as usual, is rich. Business events, meetings, signing of contracts are planned. We will receive 70 delegations from 50 countries through Rosoboronexport. We will show more than 1000 samples of military equipment and weapons. These are tanks, armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, air defense systems, artillery, small arms already tested in real combat conditions, as well as the latest experimental developments.
This year, special emphasis is placed on automation and robotics. Now armies all over the world are following the path of developing systems that facilitate the performance of tasks and minimize the direct participation of a person in battles. They increase the accuracy and efficiency of actions, reducing the likelihood of human errors. And also help to save the lives of personnel.
The time is not far off when the main tasks in the air, on land and water will be solved by drones and intelligent control systems.
– Which of these systems will be presented at the forum?
– For example, "Tablet-M-IR" is an initiative development of "High–precision complexes" for automating the control of MLRS calculations, artillery and mortar units. It was created as a more modern continuation of the Tablet-A complex, which is already being mass-produced and has a lot of positive reviews.
The purpose of such systems is to exclude the human factor from the processes of obtaining target designation and performing calculations before hitting the target. This speeds up the work of the units and increases the accuracy of the strike. It takes less than a minute to make all the necessary calculations and give the command "fire".
– How is target designation provided in the new complex?
– "Tablet-M-IR" can interact with absolutely all drones that are in service with our army. Tandem with the drone in automated mode allows the commander to see what is happening on the battlefield in real time and adjust the fire. Closed satellite communication ensures contact with the higher command and the safety of information.
I also note that the "Tablet–M-IR" has significantly expanded the range of interfaced technical means. It can quickly exchange information, including with reconnaissance radars. We plan that the Tablet-M-IR will pass preliminary tests by the end of the year. It is important that the "Tablet-M-IR" has become more mobile – the specialists of "Signal" placed it in a new armored car "Athlete" developed by the company "MIC". At the same time, you can control the new "Tablet" both while in the car and outside it.
– Are you talking about robots and drones, will you show something new from this on the forum?
- of course. For example, we brought an unmanned BMP-3 with a Titmouse combat module to Kubinka. The car operates without a crew, the functions of the driver and the shooter in it are robotic. It can be used for fire support of motorized rifle units. This is a joint project of the Kurgan Machine-Building Plant and the Signal Research Institute of the High-Precision Complexes Holding.
This machine has a modern and effective set of weapons: a 30-millimeter automatic cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun and a 100-millimeter gun, which can also be used as an ATGM launcher. The Titmouse combat module "sees" the terrain 360 degrees at any time of the day. It is equipped with an ATGM loading mechanism and an automated digital fire control system. The combat vehicle can be controlled remotely – using a wearable remote control or a remote control point.
All these features of the machine allow it to be used in the most dangerous directions. For example, a robotic complex can fight in a complex urban development or lead a combat column.
– How big are the chances that such experimental developments will go into series?
– Work on robotization and automation of various tracked and wheeled combat vehicles has been underway at Rostec for a long time. At the same time, we apply a single principle: we equip existing serial samples of equipment with a set of equipment for robotics, which significantly reduces costs and makes the project promising for the Russian army.
– How are the work on the creation of an exoskeleton progressing?
– This year we will show a prototype of an ergonomic combined-arms universal exoskeleton complex. Such an exocomplex significantly increases the effectiveness of the fighter. Reduces energy costs and increases the accuracy of shooting from automatic weapons.
The design is based on lightweight and durable modules made of composite materials. They make up the frame of the exoskeleton: torso, pelvis, legs, feet, arms, neck. These modules can be integrated directly into the equipment of a serviceman and combined into one integral system. For example, the integrated "Torso" module can be integrated into the "Bulletproof Vest" item of equipment. This approach simplifies the system of fastening the frame modules to the fighter's body. It is more convenient and ergonomic. Again, if necessary, it is easier to perform an "emergency reset".
Experimental samples of passive and active mechanisms that block the joints of the exoskeletal complex have already been created. This is necessary, for example, for long-term retention of loads up to 20 kilograms in the hands on weight or up to 60 kilograms on the frame of an exoskeleton. Such blockers allow, for example, to hold a weapon in your hand for up to eight hours – an ordinary person cannot do this.
– Earlier it was stated that at the Army-2021, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was shown a prototype of the so-called smart machine gun, which will provide the shooter with increased shooting accuracy due to artificial intelligence elements in the sighting complex. At what stage is this development now?
– The integration of small arms with surveillance, recognition and aiming systems is a promising direction that Kalashnikov continues to lead. The system with elements of artificial intelligence allows the soldier to become more effective in combat, increase the speed of enemy detection and accuracy of the shot. Our customers are interested in the development of weapons and the appearance of models that not only correspond to modern trends, but are also ahead of them in many ways.
– What feedback is received from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on the experience of operation within the framework of the AK-12? Are there any plans to make any changes to them?
– Its appearance in the 2021 configuration has changed significantly: in the telescopic butt, the metal was replaced with polymer. The shape of the butt and the method of fixing it along the length have also changed, the strength of the butt has increased during falls. The competent use of polymers made it possible to change the classic "Kalashnikov" knot – the pistol grip, it was carried out at the same time with the trigger guard. Such changes have reduced the weight of the machine and improved its ergonomics. As a result, we have a good machine, modern, convenient, reliable – there is nothing to add here.
– A special military operation in Ukraine following the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has shown an increase in the role of unmanned aerial vehicles. What developments does Rostec have in the field of countering UAVs?
– There are several areas of development here. Firstly, these are classic air defense systems that are used today to protect against drones. For example, a short-range anti-aircraft guided missile has been developed for the Pantsir-S1M complex. It significantly expands the possibilities of combating mass small-sized targets. Of course, we are talking not only about UAVs, but also, for example, multiple rocket launchers, anti-radar and guided missiles, precision weapons, airplanes and helicopters, as well as their onboard weapons. The near border of the missile weapon damage zone has been reduced to 500 m, which is also important.
A package of four short-range interception missiles can be placed on one standard launcher guide. As a result, the number of targets hit by one combat vehicle ammunition increases up to four times. Secondly, electronic warfare systems are an effective means of combating drones.
– How effective are electronic warfare systems in the fight against UAVs?
– The experience of special operations shows the effectiveness of such systems. They are produced by several of our companies specializing in radio electronics. Among the latest developments, I will note the Dome anti-UAV system from Roselectronics, where the number of operating ranges has been increased to 10. This makes it possible to block, among other things, the reserve frequencies of satellite navigation, which drones can potentially use to adjust flight tasks and link to the terrain.
We create solutions that help to recognize even UAVs flying in radio silence mode. In particular, the "Attack-Rustle" module is equipped with a powerful neural network computer that is able to "hear" the drone's flight in a stream of third-party noises. This is a "smart electronic ear", which is equipped with ultra-sensitive microphones and has a self-learning interface with artificial intelligence algorithms. Thanks to this, the module can be used not only to detect drones, but also in "Safe City" type systems to identify dangerous incidents.
– Which of the new products presented at the "Army" can be seen in the troops in the near future?
– We can mention the upgraded 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 developed by Kurganmashzavod. This is a combat armored tracked floating vehicle with a powerful artillery and missile system. It is multifunctional, capable of overcoming water obstacles without preparation in case of excitement up to three points and simultaneously firing afloat. It can conduct military operations in the highlands, in tropical climates, and in swampy areas. In terms of firepower, it is not inferior to the main tanks of the T-80, T-90 type. And in terms of mobility on land and water, it is at the level of BMD-4M and BMP-3. This car has no competitors either in Russia or in the world. Its state tests have already been completed. In the near future, we expect the assignment of the letter O1 to this sample, after which the machine can be adopted.
In general, we are constantly working to improve and modernize our weapons. Today we receive a large amount of feedback from the military, who operate the equipment of our enterprises in their own conditions. The collection and analysis of this information allows a qualitative approach to the improvement of existing samples.
