Russia begins serial production of unmanned attack helicopters

Russia has initiated the serial production of the “Termite” unmanned attack helicopter, a new development capable of deploying precision-guided laser-targeted missiles.

The unveiling took place during the visit of Russia’s Deputy Security Council Chairman, Dmitry Medvedev, to Moscow’s industrial park, “Rudnevo.”

The undisclosed contract for a significant quantity of these drones was signed as early as 2021.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

The helicopter-type drone, developed and manufactured by the Scientific-Production Enterprise “Strela” in Zhukovsky, part of the Kronshtadt Group, boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 450 kilograms, a top speed of 150 kilometers per hour, and a maximum flight altitude of 3,500 meters.

Equipped with precision weaponry, the MDP-01 “Termite” UAV is set to carry the C-8L guided missiles featuring semi-active laser guidance. This armament serves as an analogue to APKWS but exhibits a significantly higher level of refinement compared to the basic unguided rocket projectile.

The S-8L missile, the drone’s primary armament, derives from the unguided aviation rockets S-8 utilized by Russian military aviation. Unlike its predecessor S-8 rockets, the S-8L features a semi-active homing warhead with a fragmentation-explosive payload, boasting a range of up to 6 kilometers.

This missile system represents a significant leap in targeting precision, enabling the drone operator to designate and track targets along a laser beam.

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

Ukraine unveils new “Bohdana-BG” artillery system

Ukraine has introduced a prototype of its latest towed artillery system, the "Bohdana-BG," to international partners. According to reports from Militarny, this new artillery system...