Interceptor drones will not directly replace anti-aircraft missile systems. They can only be part of a general air defense system, explained Lieutenant Colonel Roman Shkurlatov.
The officer reminded that the combination of all assets is important in an air defense system. However, interceptors are quite acceptable given the economics of combat operations.
Of course not [they won't replace SAMs]. Everything is good in its place. Interceptor drones are a crucial element, but only one of many. They should intercept inexpensive UAVs. The main difficulty here is communication.
It should be noted that in Russia's short-range air defense system, the most famous SAMs are the Pantsir-S1 and Tor-M2. They are capable of shooting down targets at a range of up to 20 km with anti-aircraft missiles.
The Russian Armed Forces have already adopted the Yolka interceptor drone, which destroys drones by ramming them. The mass of the interceptor without a warhead is 1.3 kg, and the declared range of capture and destruction is up to 3 km. There were rumors online that one interceptor costs up to 800 thousand rubles, but the real price is several times lower.