A Russian company based in Tatarstan has begun testing an automated turret designed to shoot down enemy drones. Developed by Arkodim, the weapon will form part of a short-range air defense system intended to protect critical infrastructure. According to information provided to TASS by the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies (CUST), the developer estimates that the completed system will have a target engagement success rate exceeding 90%.

The turret will be equipped with a machine gun controlled by specialized targeting software. Instead of aiming directly at a moving drone, the system will calculate where the aircraft is heading and direct fire toward that position. This approach is expected to allow the weapon to destroy fixed-wing UAVs at distances of up to one kilometer, requiring between 30 and 50 rounds per target.

The project goes beyond a single gun installation. Its developers are creating an integrated defense network capable of detecting approaching drones early and selecting the most suitable interception method while keeping costs as low as possible. The entire combat process will be automated, with human involvement limited to authorizing the destruction of identified aerial targets.

The system will also use dedicated interceptor drones to engage hostile UAVs several kilometers away. These aircraft will carry onboard guidance technology that allows them to close in on their targets. Another component will be a separate tower responsible for preliminary targeting.

Arkodim is currently conducting trials of individual components rather than the complete system. Once integrated, the equipment is intended to provide automated protection for critical infrastructure against drone attacks. The company expects the finished complex to achieve a probability of successfully engaging its targets of more than 90%.