russian research and production association NPO Kaysant announced that its anti‑drone MANPADS, called Hermes, are scheduled to begin battlefield trials before year-end.
The company emphasized that Hermes system has not yet been tested in combat, but live trials are planned in the coming months, likely by the end of the year.
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NPO Kaysant first unveiled Hermes system in early September. The system is classified as a MANPADS-type anti-drone system, although the developer also highlights its potential use against helicopters.
According to available technical data, the system weighs approximately 1.2 kg, has a target-acquisition range of 500 meters, and uses a VOG‑25-type grenade launcher round as its warhead/launch charge.
At the same time, russia appears to have another MANPADS variant — an improvised project known as Vector, which we reported on earlier. This system is an anti-drone missile with FPV guidance, and Moscow has already released footage of its testing.
It is possible that the two MANPADS are intended for different battlefield roles: Kaysant's Hermes is likely aimed at reconnaissance-class UAVs (the developer claims it can also target FPV drones), while the Vector project seems designed to counter longer-range attack drones.
Earlier, Defense Express reported that russian forces have begun using air-defense drones to shoot down Ukraine's long-range FP‑1, Liutyi, and E‑300 UAVs — a development that presents a serious operational challenge.
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