{"id":15665,"date":"2025-11-16T14:02:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-16T12:02:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thedefender.media\/?p=15665"},"modified":"2026-01-16T21:24:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T19:24:31","slug":"black-mirror-33","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedefender.media\/en\/2025\/11\/black-mirror-33\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Mirror #33. The new Herbera, Archangels in the Kursk region, Knyaz Veshchiy Oleg and other novelties of Russian miltech"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Russians are beginning to use a new fibre-optic reconnaissance drone, Knyaz Veshchiy Oleg, testing the Posokh laser installation designed to hunt Ukrainian deepstrikes, equipping UGVs with flamethrowers, and fitting Gerbera drones with delayed-action detonators. These and other new developments in Russian miltech are covered in Defender Media\u2019s weekly review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reconnaissance drone Knyaz Veshchiy Oleg is already on the frontline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Russian sources report the frontline deployment of a new fibre-optic UAV, the Knyaz Veshchiy Oleg\u201d. The drone is said to have a reconnaissance range of up to 45 km and resembles Ukrainian equivalents in appearance \u2014 a feature which, according to the manufacturer, increases its survivability in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alexei Chadayev, director of the Ushkuyinik Research and Production Centre, stated that the system was designed as a more affordable alternative to the more expensive reconnaissance UAVs used by the Russian army. He claims the aircraft has already been used over Sumy and Kharkiv, and that damaged components can be 3D-printed in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The drone is integrated with another product developed by the centre \u2014 the FPV aircraft Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky<\/a>. The operator of the strike drone can receive imagery not only from their own camera but also from the Veshchiy Oleg, providing additional reconnaissance data for target acquisition. The centre says the new UAV is intended to replace commercial drones such as Mavics in long-range reconnaissance at distances of 30\u201340 km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video by 63rd Separate Mechanised Brigade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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In early November, soldiers of the 63rd Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported the first downing of the Knyaz Veshchiy Oleg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia increases deliveries of Strelets drone-interceptors<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Russia expects deliveries of Strelets interceptors equipped with five 12-gauge barrels. These systems are intended to destroy small airborne targets, including FPV drones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The developer is listed as Orda-Pilot. The company claims the system can engage up to five targets in a single sortie. It utilises machine vision, enabling automatic detection, targeting, and firing at drones without requiring continuous operator involvement. In the latest version of the Strelets, the plastic barrels have been replaced with metal ones, allowing shots to be fired without damaging the barrel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UAV\u2019s cruising speed is stated as 120 km\/h, with a flight range of up to 7 km. Its effective engagement radius is 5\u201315 metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Field kits for assembling heavy UAVs from plywood frames<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Due to a shortage of heavy strike drones, Russian volunteer and commercial groups have begun promoting a DIY approach: large plywood frames built for 2\u20134 FPV aircraft with 10-inch propellers. These products are presented as a base for constructing a heavy UAV capable of performing combat or logistical tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A plywood frame for assembling a heavy drone in field conditions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Popular models include the Vobla, Teshcha and Driada. The idea is that soldiers can quickly assemble a heavy drone from available FPV components without waiting for mass production of industrial models. The payload capacity is claimed to be 7\u201315 kg. The frames are sold through a specialised website, fpv-frame.ru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia tests the Arkhangel interceptor drone in the Kursk region<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Russian sources have reported tests of the Arkhangel interceptor system in the border region of Kursk. The project is being implemented by the Kalashnikov Concern, and project lead Mikhail Filippov claims the interceptor can reach speeds of up to 360 km\/h and has an operational radius of up to 50 km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A model of the Arkhangel interceptor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

According to the media, the Arkhangel has also been tested in Crimea, where it demonstrated a top speed of around 340 km\/h. The drone can be launched from the ground or from an aircraft, and its warhead options range from 700 grams to 7 kg, depending on purpose. Developers claim that the Arkhangel is compatible with existing radar systems; during tests in Crimea, no radar modifications were required \u2014 the drone operated with the standard detection network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the stated specifications, sources caution that information about the Arkhangel comes mainly from developer and volunteer claims, and there is no independently verified confirmation of all parameters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TOS-1A Solntsepyok systems upgraded with anti-drone protection<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Uralvagonzavod Concern has announced the delivery of a new batch of TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower systems. The report states that the vehicles have been equipped with an upgraded anti-drone suite. The developer states that the machines have undergone a range of tests under various conditions before being cleared for operational use. In addition, the flamethrowers are being modernised on the T-80 tank chassis, which is expected to provide greater range, improved accuracy and more automation of key processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unboxing the upgraded Gerbera with warhead and UZ-2 detonation mechanism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ukrainian analyst Serhii \u201cFlesh\u201d Beskrestnov has dismantled<\/a> and examined the updated Gerbera variant. He identified an OFBCh-2 fragmentation-high-explosive warhead and a UZ-2 detonator. According to his description, a signal from the flight controller is sent to a relay that arms the detonator under a specific criterion \u2014 likely altitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This signal does not detonate the warhead but simply arms the detonator. Upon impact with the ground, it triggers automatically. Moreover, if the drone lands gently, the detonator may not activate but will remain armed, posing a lethal hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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