As kamikaze drones continue to reshape modern warfare, Russian troops are testing an unusual countermeasure: a ground robot fitted with spinning “fans” designed to swat incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) out of the sky.
Footage shared online shows the Depesha robotic vehicle wrapped in a steel grille and rotating shafts with thin cables, creating a moving barrier around the platform.
The setup appears aimed at mechanically disrupting or destroying small drones before they can strike.
The prototype, reportedly being tested in the Zaporizhzhia region, reflects an early-stage configuration, as it lacks a cargo bay, mounted weapons, and dedicated armor.
While the rotating cables could, in theory, deflect or damage low-flying drones, their real-world effectiveness remains uncertain.
So far, the robot has only been shown operating on flat, unobstructed ground, leaving its performance in dense vegetation or uneven terrain an open question.
Depesha’s Design and Role
Built on an all-wheel-drive chassis with independent suspension and dedicated electric motors, the Depesha robotic system is designed for stability across rough terrain.
With a reported payload capacity of up to 200 kilograms (441 pounds), it can support resupply, casualty evacuation, or armed strike roles when fitted with a combat module.
It can also reportedly reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) per hour, though its operational range and endurance remain undisclosed.
Russian firm Vysokotochnye Kompleksi revealed in January 2025 that it had delivered additional Depesha platforms to Moscow’s forces.
