Russia presents new Kinzhal interceptor drone: Details
Photo: Russia presented the new Kinzhal interceptor drone (Telegram Bes Pilot)
At the Innoprom-2025 exhibition in Yekaterinburg, Russian company ASF-Innovations unveiled a new drone named Kinzhal, aimed at intercepting enemy UAVs through direct collision, the Army Recognition website reports.
According to the developers, the Kinzhal drone is intended for close-range interception at low altitudes. It can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h and is equipped with a mid-wave infrared homing seeker installed in the nose section for thermal-based guidance.
Russia claims that all components of the Kinzhal were locally manufactured: the airframe and fuselage by Farmplast, the electric propulsion system by Pro-Technology, the propellers by Vector, and the flight control electronics by Krait.
The drone closely resembles a previously unveiled Russian Yolka FPV interceptor, which has reportedly been used on the battlefield. This suggests that Kinzhal may eventually become part of Russia's short-range air defense systems.
However, analysts note that none of Russia's interceptor drone platforms have yet been deployed at scale. In contrast, Ukraine already mass-produces similar drones, while Russia appears to be in the early stages of development.
The unveiling of the Kinzhal UAV reflects Moscow's desire to close the gap in drone warfare and move from prototypes to serial production.
Interceptor drones in modern warfare
On July 3, Ukraine and US-based Swift Beat signed a memorandum to expand drone production for air defense purposes. The Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive UAVs capable of eliminating missiles.
Ukrainian troops actively deploy interceptor drones to take down Shahed kamikaze UAVs. As of early July, over 100 enemy flying targets have been downed this way.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently confirmed that Ukrainian forces continue to use interceptors effectively, having shot down hundreds of enemy targets in just one week.
