The Russian military has expanded its defense lineup with a new short-range air defense (SHORAD) system, aiming to tackle emerging airborne threats on the battlefield.
Known as Zubr, the system brings together airspace surveillance and control elements, including radar sensors capable of spotting both large aircraft and small drones.
Developed by Rostec, it can operate in an automated mode, tracking drones without continuous human input while reserving the final engagement decision to the operator.
This automation is intended to shorten response times and ease operator burden, especially during coordinated drone attacks.
Functioning as a point-defense system, Zubr focuses on protecting high-value assets rather than long-range interception.
Its architecture includes four independent weapon stations armed with 7.62×54mm machine guns, all networked to a central command-and-control hub.
Recent Test
Rostec recently tested Zubr against small, high-speed targets, demonstrating “consistent” performance across multiple scenarios.
This capability is particularly relevant in modern battlefield environments, where swarming drones and fast aerial targets can overwhelm traditional point-defense systems.
According to the company, the system is now in active service, deployed to safeguard critical sites.
