The newest short-range man-portable air defense system, known as Germes, has begun operating in the zone of the special military operation, where it is being used primarily against unmanned aerial vehicles. The start of its deployment was confirmed by the developer, NPO Kaysant, in comments to TASS.

According to the company, several Germes units were sent to the combat zone specifically for testing under real operational conditions. The system did not emerge in its current form overnight. During development, engineers repeatedly revised the design, refining the airframe, improving aerodynamic performance, and upgrading the fuel compartment. These changes were aimed at enhancing overall controllability and flight stability.

Particular attention was paid to the launcher. It was reworked to carry a larger ammunition load: instead of three missiles, the updated configuration now accommodates five. In its primary role, Germes is designed to engage low-flying drones as well as helicopters.

At the same time, NPO Kaysant emphasized that the system’s capabilities extend beyond air targets. Germes is also able to strike tanks and armored vehicles at distances of up to 100 kilometers. The baseline missile reaches speeds of up to 1,300 meters per second and is characterized by a high level of targeting accuracy.