Russia may add another weapon to its arsenal for countering mass drone attacks: Alazan rockets, which were previously used in agriculture to disperse hail clouds. A launcher carrying these rockets was presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Center-2026 exercises, according to Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Russian forces already use a broad range of weapons against hostile unmanned aircraft. These include missile and gun-missile air defense systems mounted on wheeled and tracked chassis, as well as lightweight shoulder-fired systems.

Machine-gun mounts chambered in 7.62 mm, 12.7 mm and 14.5 mm are also used against drones. The available counter-drone arsenal additionally includes 30 mm and 57 mm guns.

Modified Alazan rockets could become another option. Rossiyskaya Gazeta described the concept as an unusual solution and said the rockets could be highly effective against groups of attacking drones if configured as lightweight guided anti-aircraft missiles.

Several Alazan variants exist. The rockets have a caliber of 82 mm, a maximum range of 10 km and can reach an altitude of up to 8 km. A single launcher can carry 12 rockets.