The Russian Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defense Concern has unveiled the "Garpiya-A1(E)," a long-range export UAV; video footage shows the drone's assembly and testing. The Garpiya-A1 is an evolution of the famous "Geran" series of drones, bearing a strong visual resemblance to them, as shown in the photographs. The Garpiya-A1 currently boasts a flight range of up to 1,000 km. It is positioned not merely as a standard kamikaze drone, but as an unmanned system that incorporates other loitering munitions. Notably, the drone's launcher resembles the one involved in the case of a Kharkiv scientist arrested by the SBU in 2024. The Garpiya-A1 is equipped with an intelligent guidance system capable of autonomously identifying and engaging targets, even in the presence of electronic jamming. In terms of its overall specifications, the UAV ranks among the best in its class. The Garpiya-A1 has a takeoff weight of 250 kg, including a 50 kg warhead. It can operate at altitudes ranging from 50 to 2,500 meters and reach a top speed of at least 170 km/h. Its flight endurance is at least six hours, with a reported maximum deviation from the target of no more than 4 meters. Foreign customers have reportedly already expressed interest in the Garpiya-A1.
Russian Military Technology : Updates and Discussions
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Russian "Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky" FPV drones, controlled via fiber-optic cable, have been equipped with microphones. The use of a microphone allows for the detection of approaching enemy vehicles; thanks to this feature, the drone takes off less frequently, thereby conserving battery power.
The new "Iva" MANPADS was spotted in a Russian media report on the operations of mobile air defense units. It is worth noting that the Ministry of Defense has not yet made any official announcement regarding the system. Visually, the "Iva" resembles the Chinese QW-18 or QW-19 MANPADS, with certain elements bearing a resemblance to the Chinese QW-1. It also looks similar to the Iranian Misagh-1/2. The "Iva" has been given its own designation, suggesting that the licensed production of low-cost MANPADS may have been established. Another theory is that the systems were supplied to Russia by North Korea or Iran; notably, these do not appear to be old stockpiles, as the launch container is of a modern design. Why does Russia need a different type of MANPADS? The likely plan is to equip Russian air defense units with low-cost MANPADS.
Russian "Shturm" unmanned tanks were demonstrated in action for the first time during the "Tsentr-2026" command-and-staff exercises. The "Shturm" unmanned tank was developed based on the T-72 and T-90 platforms. Currently, it is a prototype; it lacks active drone defense, and the top of the tank remains unprotected.
The tank is armed with a shortened 125mm D-414 gun (carrying 22 rounds) and a coaxial 7.62mm PKTM machine gun. At present, the tank is controlled by three operators from a command post mounted on a tank chassis, with a communication range of up to 3,000 meters. This setup is temporary; future versions will utilize the "Rassvet" satellite communication system. Remote control allows the tanks to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. The "Shturm" tank comes in several combat variants.
In addition to the standard gun-equipped version, the tank can carry a launcher for "Shmel-M" thermobaric rocket-assisted flamethrowers. A variant has also been developed featuring twin 30mm 2A42 automatic cannons, a PKTM machine gun, and an RPO-2 launcher. Furthermore, the "Shturm" tank can be fitted with a launcher for 16 unguided 220mm thermobaric rockets capable of engaging an area of up to 25,000 square meters.
The tank is armed with a shortened 125mm D-414 gun (carrying 22 rounds) and a coaxial 7.62mm PKTM machine gun. At present, the tank is controlled by three operators from a command post mounted on a tank chassis, with a communication range of up to 3,000 meters. This setup is temporary; future versions will utilize the "Rassvet" satellite communication system. Remote control allows the tanks to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. The "Shturm" tank comes in several combat variants.
In addition to the standard gun-equipped version, the tank can carry a launcher for "Shmel-M" thermobaric rocket-assisted flamethrowers. A variant has also been developed featuring twin 30mm 2A42 automatic cannons, a PKTM machine gun, and an RPO-2 launcher. Furthermore, the "Shturm" tank can be fitted with a launcher for 16 unguided 220mm thermobaric rockets capable of engaging an area of up to 25,000 square meters.
Footage showing the "Arena-M" active protection system in actual operation on a T-90M tank has been released during the Russian "Center-2026" military exercises. The video demonstrates the system engaging both FPV drones and fixed-wing UAVs. The active protection system triggers at a distance of approximately 1–2 meters from the tank's turret. It is worth noting that while the "Arena-M" system is already in successful use, further refinement is ongoing.
How many of these are operationally deployed though? Like what %age of fleet is equipped with APS.
During the "Center 2026" strategic command-and-staff exercises, Russia demonstrated the new "Izdelie 347" ground-based missile system, which employs the Kh-39 LMUR missile. Video footage shows the missile launch and the operator. The system is designed for the precision engagement of stationary and moving targets at ranges of up to 20 km. Reportedly, the Kh-39 LMUR air-to-ground missile has undergone modifications.
Tests have been conducted in Russia on an aerial aerostat barrier system designed to counter fixed-wing UAVs. The setup of these aerostat barriers is relatively simple: a net made of Kevlar cables is strung between several aerostats, creating an impassable obstacle for drones. Upon detection of an enemy UAV, automated winches hoist the aerostat to the required altitude. Radars can also be mounted on the aerostats. It is worth noting, however, that drones can strike the aerostat, so it must be raised to a high altitude.
This clip shows Russian assault groups in action during the "Center-2026" military exercises. The footage captures soldiers moving into the simulated enemy's rear via underground conduits and a pipeline to launch a surprise attack. The Russian army previously conducted an underground operation known as "Potok"—which has already become a case study in military tactics; a video of it is available on the channel. To navigate in the dark, the soldiers were equipped with night-vision devices.
Russian airborne troops have—for the first time—airdropped ground-based robotic systems from an Il-76 military transport aircraft. This robotic airdrop operation was demonstrated during the "Center-2026" exercises. A total of three robotic systems were deployed: the "Omich-2," the "Kuryer" (equipped with a combat module), and the "Bogomol-7V." The robots were dropped from an altitude of 600 meters using the P-7 parachute platform. It takes 3–5 minutes after landing for a robot to begin executing its assigned mission. It is worth noting, however, that this method is rarely applicable in actual combat due to the frequent presence of air defense systems. Nevertheless, this technique allows for the rapid deployment of groups of soldiers and equipment. The video also concludes by showing the airdrop and deployment of a kamikaze robot.
Russian military personnel have reported the use of new "Varvar" interceptor drones to counter UAVs. The "Varvar" interceptor drones entered service with the Russian army in early September. The manufacturer has not been disclosed. Currently, "Varvar" interceptor drones do not carry a warhead; they are designed to protect stationary facilities from UAV attacks. Targets are neutralized via kinetic impact. The interceptor operates in "fire-and-forget" mode: once it locks onto a target, it engages it autonomously without operator intervention. The "Varvar" interceptor drone weighs approximately three kilograms, accelerates to 250 km/h, and has a flight endurance of up to five minutes. Its operational range and altitude reach up to 2,000 meters. The price of the drone has not been disclosed.
Russia has accelerated flight testing of the Yak-130M aircraft. The third Yak-130M prototype has conducted a flight at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a branch of PJSC Yakovlev. Utilizing the third prototype in flight tests will make it possible to complete the testing program on schedule and begin deliveries to the armed forces in 2028.
A training session involving Russian assault groups from the "West" force grouping using motorcycles. The use of motorcycles enables soldiers to rapidly reach their positions, move stealthily between cover, and quickly change direction. The Ukrainian army conducts similar training.