The «Yolka» interceptor drone is proving highly effective against Ukrainian aerial targets, according to a commander of an anti-aircraft missile battery from the 9th Brigade of the 51st Guards Army under Russia’s «Center» grouping, known by the callsign «Tiger34,» who spoke to RIA Novosti.

He said Russian units are actively countering both reconnaissance and strike-type fixed-wing drones. In these operations, the Yolka system has demonstrated particularly strong performance, consistently intercepting its targets. The officer noted that each launch results in a successful hit, with no cases so far requiring a second attempt against the same target.

The commander also stressed that air defense units operating within the 9th Brigade’s area of responsibility play a key role in enabling infantry advances, shielding ground forces from aerial threats.

He added that the area sees intense activity from Ukrainian hexacopters, commonly referred to as «Baba Yaga.» According to him, up to ten such drones can be encountered overnight. Air observation posts engage them using Yolka interceptors as well as small arms, including assault rifles equipped with thermal imaging systems.

The Yolka system is mass-produced in Moscow. It is designed to intercept a wide range of unmanned aerial vehicles, from FPV drones and reconnaissance platforms to heavier fixed-wing strike UAVs. The system is already in use both in Russia’s border regions and in the special military operation zone. It weighs 1.3 kilograms, reaches speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour, and can detect and engage targets at distances of up to three kilometers.