Ukrainian military analyst and electronic warfare expert Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov published a video of Russian President Vladimir Putin inspecting a military parade, with a member of his Federal Protective Service providing security detail carrying a probable interceptor drone.
Although the location where the footage was obtained was not declared, it is presumably filmed following the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow.
Putin, accompanied by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, May 9 parade commander Oleg Salyukov and other members of the presidential entourage, is seen in the background of the video greeting the ranks of uniformed senior officers.
In the foreground, a man in a suit with an identity badge on a lanyard around his neck is seen carrying a black waterproof bag that partially covers a cruciform-shaped object on which small three-bladed propellers are mounted.
The visible parts of the object display characteristics consistent with those of the Russian Yolka interceptor drone – a kinetic drone designed to intercept first-person view (FPV) kamikaze, reconnaissance, bomber drones and other loitering munitions by physically colliding with its target.
The Yolka is launched using a reusable catapult before acquiring and engaging an incoming drone using what is described as its “self-homing” capability.
In the lead-up to this year’s parade on Moscow’s Red Square, Russia’s security services became concerned about the threat from drones as Ukraine stepped up its ability to strike targets in central Russia.
During preparations for the parade and on the day it took place, images of troops carrying anti-drone guns in parts of Moscow appeared in the media. Mobile internet services throughout the capital became restricted, and for the first time, a special anti-drone canopy was erected over the main saluting dais.
Several events traditionally held to celebrate Russia’s armed forces and the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany have been curtailed or even cancelled in the face of the ever-growing threat from Ukraine’s drones. The May 9 Victory parades in Crimea, Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk regions and the July 27 Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg were all cancelled this year.
The Yolka interceptor drone
Detailed technical specifications for the Yolka are not widely available. Information relating to its capabilities, range, altitude, and other performance metrics is limited.
It is known that it is a kinetic Interceptor that brings down enemy drones by colliding with them, destroying both the target drone and itself in the process. It is launched from a reusable catapult and uses its “self-homing” capability to autonomously acquire, track and pursue its target.
While primarily an interceptor, it is believed that the Yolka can also be equipped with a warhead, allowing it to act as a kamikaze drone.
A video published on YouTube by “Armourdesia Military Hardware” gives an idea of the functioning and the fire-and-forget capability of the interceptor. Although the narration portrayed the system in a positive light, the images don’t necessarily bear out his assessment.