The transition from mobile fire groups with machine guns to "Sokol" interceptor drones dramatically increased the effectiveness of countering aerial targets, according to Russian servicemen who worked with both options.

One operator reported that in a year and a half of working as part of a fire group, he managed to shoot down just over 20 drones, whereas after switching to the "Sokol" drone, the result was about 30 targets in just one month.

The reason is the interceptor's operating radius. A machine gun group is limited to an area around the position: the operator can fire at targets at a relatively short distance, and attempting to pursue a drone for kilometers over rough terrain requires moving the vehicle. The "Sokol," however, is launched by hand and can travel 15–20 km from the launch point, allowing it to search for and engage targets far beyond the crew's position.

The device itself is as simple as possible: the lightweight body is made of foam, and a separate launch pad is not required. According to published data, the "Sokol" can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h and can climb to an altitude of up to 5 km. The interceptor can destroy targets by ramming or with a warhead with remote detonation.