A new Russian system for electronic suppression of small-size unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been unveiled for the first time abroad at the World Defense Show 2024 in Saudi Arabia. The system, developed by the Vector Research Institute, a subsidiary of Rostec’s Ruselectronics holding, is designed to counter the growing threat of drone attacks on critical infrastructure and military targets.
The system, called SERP-VS6, is part of a comprehensive counter-UAV (C-UAV) solution that includes radio monitoring equipment (RME) and radio reconnaissance equipment (RRE). The system can detect, identify, track and jam various types of UAVs, including those that use first person view (FPV) technology. The system can also disrupt the drone’s navigation, communication and control systems, forcing it to land or crash.
One of the distinctive features of the SERP-VS6 is its ability to operate autonomously, without human intervention. The system can automatically select the optimal suppression range and mode based on the target designation from the RRE. The system can also jam multiple channels and directions simultaneously, providing protection from drone swarms. The system can interfere with NAVSTAR (GPS), GLONASS and BeiDou signals, as well as Wi-Fi data transmission channels.
The system also has a passive mode, in which it does not emit any signals, but only performs direction finding of UAV control signals from the operator’s console. The system can then locate the source of the signals using the triangulation method. This can help to identify and neutralize the drone operators.
According to the Russian Aviation & Military Guide (RAMG) magazine in its WDS edition’s feature on the SERP-VS6, it says the SERP-VS6 system is compact and portable, fitting in several cases that can be deployed in 30 minutes. The system can also be mounted on wheeled vehicles, including armored ones, for increased mobility and protection. The system is compatible with other drones and communication equipment, if needed.
The SERP-VS6 system is the latest addition to the SERP (‘Sickle’ in Russian) family of electronic suppression systems, which have been successfully used at facilities of the fuel and energy complex and enterprises of the military-industrial complex of Russia. The Ruselectronics holding announced its readiness to increase the production volume of the SERP systems, following the order from Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov, who visited the Russian exposition at the World Defense Show and was shown the system.
On Ruselectronics official Telegram Channel, it says that the SERP-VS6 system is expected to attract the interest of foreign customers, who are looking for effective and reliable solutions to counter the emerging drone threats. The system is showcased at the exposition of the Rosboronexport company, the sole state intermediary agency for Russia’s exports and imports of defense-related and dual use products, technologies and services. The World Defense Show 2024 is an international defense and security exhibition that takes place from February 6 to February 10 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The exhibition features the latest innovations and technologies in the fields of land, air, sea, security and satellite defense.
Meanwhile, Russia and Egypt have agreed to cooperate on the licensed production of Russian civilian anti-drone systems called Zashchita (Protection) at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2023, which is held in Cairo from December 4 to 7.
ROSOBORONEXPORT is also offering to organize production and service of Russian UAVs abroad. The company’s representatives spoke at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX 2024), which will be held from January 23 to 25, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates about the ample opportunities in the field of industrial cooperation through the local production of drones on the customer’s premises, joint R&D work on advanced drones, taking into account the serious competence of the Russian side in their development and combat employment.