Mobile Laser-Based C-UAS Attracts Considerable Attention

At the Army 2020 forum outside Moscow last week, state-owned Roselectronica unveiled the RAT – the Russian original translates literally as “warrior-host.”

RAT is a mobile C-UAS system, based on a purpose-built armoured vehicle, designed to destroy hostile or suspect drones by direct laser intervention. The vehicle carries a complex and very capable radar detection system, a suite of systems intended to detect and disrupt the drone’s communications links, a directional UHF suppressor and the laser effector. The complete array of sensor systems feeds data to a central control panel where the systems analyses it and presents the human operator with options.

Rostec claims RAT has a range against drones of 3,500m, can disrupt UAS control channels at 2,500m and can simultaneously detect, disrupt and – if necessary – destroy unauthorised drones – the latter function in sequence after prioritisation of targets. It laos boasts the capability for surveillance and systems management in zero visibility conditions.