The key facts
- Rostec expects to show new strike UAVs in 2027 that 'will fly farther, faster and will be significantly smarter'
- The corporation notes the blurring of the line between drones, loitering munitions and missile weaponry
- An example is the Dan-T strike drone with a compact jet engine and a range of several hundred kilometres
New strike UAVs promised for 2027
The state corporation Rostec is developing strike drones whose capabilities, according to the corporation, are approaching those of cruise missiles. In 2027, the enterprise expects to present new vehicles with increased range, speed and more advanced intelligent systems. 'The next products that we will be able to show as early as next year, they will fly farther, faster and will be significantly smarter,' Rostec said.
Blurring the line between drones and missiles
According to the developers, modern technology is gradually blurring the line between conventional drones, loitering munitions and missile weaponry. The new models are receiving artificial intelligence elements which, as noted at the corporation, expand their capabilities. In addition to the Dan-T, specialists are working on several more similar projects; Rostec expects the new developments to surpass existing models in key parameters.
Dan-T as an example of a new class
As an example, the corporation cited the newest aviation strike drone Dan-T, which, according to Rostec, is comparable in characteristics to a full-fledged cruise missile. The vehicle is equipped with a compact jet engine and is capable of striking targets at a distance of several hundred kilometres. After launch from an aircraft or helicopter, it follows to the designated target autonomously.
Context: S-71M and S-71K for the Su-57
Earlier, according to Life.ru, in September Russia presented the S-71M and S-71K unmanned platforms in Egypt for the first time, intended for use with Su-57 fighters. Representatives of Rosoboronexport reported their use in combat conditions, and the Reuters agency called the new products a combination of the capabilities of cruise munitions and strike drones. Later, the United Aircraft Corporation delivered a new batch of modernised Su-57s to the Russian Aerospace Forces; according to the manufacturer, the updated aircraft received expanded capabilities for using aviation weaponry.
