Black Mirror #56: new Kover cruise missile, anti-FPV paint rounds, and other Russian miltech developments

Russian forces are upgrading Geran drones to target air defence radars, replacing costly UAVs with more economical Molniya systems, and testing the new Kover cruise missile, which boasts a reported range of up to 300 km. These and other advancements within Russia’s military-industrial complex are examined in Defender Media’s weekly review, Black Mirror.

DIU releases data on the new S-71K Kover cruise missile

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (HUR) has published an interactive 3D model of the S-71K Kover missile, detailing its components and electronic architecture.
The system was developed by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) as a strike weapon for the Su-57 fighter. According to HUR, the missile saw its first operational use in late 2025 and may represent one of UAC’s initial ventures into missile development.

The warhead consists of an OFAB-250 integrated into the structural frame of the nose section. The airframe is constructed from a multi-layered fibreglass composite with additional reinforcement, while internal structural elements utilize aluminium alloys. The onboard guidance suite includes a flight controller, an inertial navigation system (INS) based on simplified sensors, and a dedicated power supply.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the majority of the missile’s electronics are of foreign origin, sourced from the United States, China, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Taiwan, and Ireland. The missile is powered by an R500 turbojet engine produced by Reinolds LLC, a subsidiary of UAC. Equipped with a main tank and two auxiliary fuel cells, its range may reach 300 km. Integration of the S-71K with the S-70 ‘Okhotnik’ heavy UGV is also under consideration.

The Che-3M cargo UAV receives a more powerful propulsion system

Unmanned systems developers have introduced a new modification of the Che-3M UAV, an evolution of the earlier Che-2M model. The primary enhancement is a more potent motor-propeller group, with the propeller diameter increased from 24 to 30 inches.

The design maintains full backward compatibility with the previous version. Replacing the motor arms takes approximately one minute and requires no manual configuration—the system automatically detects the hardware and adapts flight parameters accordingly.

The UAV can be equipped with either two or four batteries, extending flight endurance by up to 30%. Delivered in the original backpack format, the system can carry a 40 kg payload with a flight time of approximately 30 minutes.

Russia presents a paint round to ‘blind’ FPV drones

Russia has developed a specialised munition for smoothbore weapons intended to counter FPV drones. The round is filled with a fast-hardening paint compound that disperses into a cloud of fine particles upon firing.

The objective is to obscure the drone’s optical sensors. The munition functions as a canister that deploys at a predetermined distance. Specific effective range parameters have not been disclosed.

The Geran-2 UAV receives a passive radar homing system

Russian Geran-2 UAVs have been modified with a passive radar homing head, allowing them to home in on radio emission sources, such as air defence radars. The system is entirely passive, detecting enemy radar activity for guidance without emitting signals itself. This transformation effectively turns the drone into a simplified, low-cost anti-radiation weapon.

This configuration expands the drone’s tactical utility: active air defence radars may now become primary targets for the Geran-2, increasing the operational burden on air defence networks. Technical specifications remain classified; available data suggest the system is currently in a testing phase or limited operational use.

The Lis-2 interceptor deployed in combat conditions

Russian sources have released footage showing the deployment of the Lis-2 interceptor drone. This fixed-wing UAV is equipped with a warhead weighing approximately 1 kg.

The drone features a machine vision system and automatic target acquisition. Guidance is facilitated via a command-telemetry link, incorporating a video feed and an AI module synchronised with both thermal and optical sensors. Stated specifications include a top speed of 230 km/h (approximately 206 km/h was observed in the footage), a service ceiling of 4,000 m, and an operational range of 15 km.

Reconnaissance UAVs receive autonomous video recorders for radio-silent operations

Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to the Minister of Defence, reported that Supercam-type UAVs are being fitted with autonomous video recorders featuring target recognition capabilities. This method bypasses detection via electronic surveillance, as video data is not transmitted in real time.

The downward-facing camera scans for objects during flight, recording data locally. Upon mission completion, the UAV returns with the stored intelligence, ensuring the operation remains radio-silent.

Adversary shifts to mass employment of low-cost Molniya drones

In the tactical zone, there is a noticeable decline in the use of expensive strike UAVs in favour of cheaper systems like the Molniya, according to Beskrestnov.

To extend the range of the video link, 5–10 W transmitters are paired with directional antennas. Simultaneously, the adversary is employing wideband frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) in the 300–600 MHz range (and above), complicating electronic warfare suppression. While increased bandwidth reduces control range, it significantly improves EW resilience. The mass deployment of these drones is also designed to saturate and overload countermeasure systems.

The Meridian amphibious UAV enters prototype production

Russia’s Centre for Autonomous Robotic Systems has announced that the Meridian amphibious UAV has reached the experimental prototype manufacturing stage. Key airframe components and onboard equipment have already been produced.

The UAV has a maximum take-off weight of 2.5 tonnes and a payload capacity of 700 kg. Stated specifications include a flight range of up to 1,200 km, an endurance of 11 hours, and a cruising speed of 200 km/h. The aircraft is capable of amphibious operations in temperatures ranging from –45 to +35 °C and can navigate without satellite signals.

The ‘Vika’ EW system designed to suppress UAV navigation

Russia has unveiled the Vika electronic warfare system, developed by the Sozvezdie concern. The system is specifically intended to disrupt satellite navigation signals.

The complex can jam GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou signals. It features both manual and automatic modes, where an integrated detector identifies signals and triggers suppression. For area denial, a cluster of 6–8 modules is deployed, each covering a 60° sector. The system calculates the target’s direction based on signal strength to apply precision interference.

The ‘Varvar’ interceptor drone designed for autonomous engagement

Russia has developed the Varvar interceptor drone for point-defence applications. The system weighs approximately 3 kg and reaches speeds of up to 250 km/h.

The drone features an automatic target acquisition range of 250 m, an operational ceiling and range of 2,000 m, and a 5-minute endurance. Once launched, the drone utilizes AI algorithms to independently detect, track, and intercept targets.

Orlan-10 adapted as an FPV drone carrier

The Orlan-10 reconnaissance UAV has been modified to serve as a carrier for FPV quadcopters. The airframe now features mounts for at least two strike drones.

In this role, the Orlan acts as a signal relay, enabling FPV drone control at extended ranges. A rear-facing camera has also been installed to monitor the surrounding airspace, allowing for threat detection and evasive manoeuvres to improve the platform’s survivability.