Currently for Export Only
Reports from the TASS news agency in Russia indicate that NPO_Slav has developed a new small UAS destined to be launched by rocket artillery. The as yet unnamed system is apparently intended to be fired from the SMERCH 300mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).
Launched at ranges of up to 90km, the drone is released at an altitude of approximately 500m over the target area and has a reported endurance of 20 mins, with an ability to survey a 25 sqkm area. It appears that NPO Slav has developed the system as an internally funded R&D effort, since it is believed there is no current requirement from the Russian armed forces.
Nevertheless, the company hopes for considerable interest in the new system from the export market, with indications of early attention coming from potential customers in the Asia-Pacific region. There is also an expectation the Kremlin may well examine the system’s potential benefits once it completes its current developments of a comprehensive concept of operations for integration of a complete range of UAS capabilities.
Tim Mahon