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The Russian military is testing first-person-view (FPV) multirotor drones armed with Kalashnikov-type rifles, according to video footage released by TASS on July 24.
The footage shows one such drone engaging a vehicle from a close range, most likely during a test. The Russian news agency noted, however, that the Kalashnikov-armed drone was being developed to intercept and shoot down Ukrainian grenade-dropping multirotor drones, commonly known as “Baba Yaga”.
The idea of arming multirotor drones with automatic rifles is not new. Examples of this concept first emerged years ago and didn’t perform that well against ground targets as they could not approach troops or vehicles close enough to hit with accuracy and inflict damage.
Using rifle-armed FPV drones as an frontline interceptor on very low altitude makes much more sense as approaching drones is easier. For that purpose, it would be better to arm the drones with Kalashnikov-type automatic shotguns like the Saiga-12 or Vepr-12.
Such reusable drones would offer a more cost-effective solution compared to more elaborate interceptors which take down their target by detonating near it or smashing right into it.
The Russian military has expanded the use of FPV multirotor drones against Kiev forces in the special military operation zone in a significant way since the start of the year.
The military has also been testing many concepts. Earlier this month, a drone armed with a rocket-propelled grenade was successfully tested.
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