The Russian Vogan-9SP-1 single-use interceptor drone is capable of destroying unmanned targets at altitudes up to four kilometers, ranges up to 17 kilometers, and speeds exceeding 300 km/h. This was reported to RIA Novosti by an instructor at the unmanned systems training center of the Marine Corps with the call sign "Mercury."
The device is distinguished from its counterparts by a warhead with damaging elements, which, according to the instructor, increases the degree of target destruction to almost 100%. The drone is equipped with a target acquisition system, digital cameras, and a night vision camera, allowing it to be used around the clock. "Mercury" also reported that the next modification, the Vogan-SP-2, is being put into service.
The Vogan-9SP was developed by the Russian company Red Line and first presented in August 2024. The device was created as a response to the threat of small-sized drones, against which traditional air defense systems are ineffective, and the use of anti-aircraft missiles is economically impractical. The principle of operation is to get as close as possible to the target and detonate the warhead on the operator's command based on the image from the onboard camera. Launching is carried out from a cassette installation at an angle of 45 degrees, and an automatic guidance system is activated in the final phase of interception. The drone works in conjunction with a radar station and a laser guidance system.
