The Russian anti-aircraft system "Tsitadel" was presented outside the country for the first time – Rostec's system became one of the exhibits at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 in Egypt. This is the first foreign display of the complex, created specifically to combat small-sized drones and already tested in real conditions.

"Tsitadel" relies not on expensive missiles, but on 30-mm automatic cannons with programmable ammunition. The projectile receives a command to detonate at a calculated point in its trajectory and creates a cloud of damaging elements in front of the drone. For small and maneuvering targets, this principle allows hitting the drone without the need for a direct hit.

According to Rostec, the complex can hit aircraft-type UAVs at an inclined range of up to 1 km, and small-sized copters at up to 800 m. The combat module is designed for 300 shells, and several firing units can operate under the control of a single command post, which can be located approximately one kilometer away from them.

"Tsitadel" automatically performs the main stages of target engagement: it detects the drone, tracks it, calculates firing parameters, and aims the weapon. Radar and optoelectronic means, including a thermal imaging channel, are used for search and tracking, allowing the complex to be used around the clock.