Footage of flight tests of the "Molniya" interceptor drone, developed by the "Bespilotnye Aviatsionnye Sistemy" scientific and production center, has appeared online. This refers to a compact anti-aircraft drone designed to engage aerial targets at short distances.
According to the stated characteristics, the device, weighing about 2.5 kg, can carry a warhead of approximately 300 grams and engage targets at a distance of up to 5 km. The maximum flight speed reaches 330 km/h, which allows it to be used as a fast interceptor. In the final segment of the trajectory, guidance is carried out using artificial intelligence algorithms, and in low light conditions, a thermal imaging channel can be connected.
The drone's system is focused on automating interception, where the operator only monitors the process, and key decisions on trajectory correction are made by the onboard computing system. This approach reduces reaction time and increases the probability of hitting maneuvering targets at short distances.
The development of such platforms reflects the general trend towards creating light loitering and interceptor drones that can work in conjunction with radar and optoelectronic detection systems. Such solutions are considered a cheaper alternative to traditional short-range air defense systems, especially in an airspace saturated with drones.
It is separately noted that the use of AI algorithms in the final guidance segment allows compensating for communication channel delays and increases resistance to electronic interference. In the future, such systems can be integrated into distributed UAV countermeasures networks, where each interceptor operates as an autonomous element of the overall defense system.