[Ukrainian Experts Warn: Optical Terrain-Matching Navigation Drones Emerge, Rendering Conventional Electronic Warfare Ineffective]
Sergei Beskrestnov, Ukraine’s presidential adviser on defense technology (codename “Lightning”), has issued a warning: optical navigation systems for medium- and long-range strike drones and low-cost cruise missiles are poised for rapid development next year.
“The system operates by preloading terrain imagery onto the drone. During flight, the onboard camera continuously compares real-time video with stored images to determine position. Basic navigation can even rely directly on Google satellite imagery.”
“Lightning” noted that Russian forces have already implemented this technology on small drones, including the “Lightning,” V2U, and “Kamikaze” models. Recently, similar optical navigation systems based on the “Susaň” flight control chip were detected on the “Geranium-4” and “Geranium-5” attack drones.
He emphasized in particular that drones navigating via terrain image matching are immune to radio-electronic warfare (REW) interference.
Additional reports indicate Russia is testing a new jet-powered anti-drone UAV capable of speeds up to 500 km/h and a range of 250 km, designated “Rochelk,” designed specifically to intercept jet-powered drones.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878724749078532/
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