russian propaganda media, citing Rosel Holding (part of Rostec), report the start of testing for an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system intended for integration into unmanned aerial vehicles. It is also noted that pilot production of the system is scheduled for this year.
The main component of the system is reported to be a radar transponder, with a declared weight of no more than 90 grams, allowing it to be installed on a wide range of drones.
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“At the initial stage, the equipment will operate with stations that use the Russian state recognition system. Such devices are employed, for example, in aviation to distinguish friendly equipment from enemy assets,” the developer states.
Although the system is clearly being developed primarily for the needs of the russian occupying forces, russian propagandists emphasize that it could also be integrated into agricultural or geodetic drones (which are also often used on the battlefield).
The experimental prototype of the identification system was reportedly tested on the Geodesia-401 drone produced by Geoscan.
Regarding the technical specifications, the declared range for marking friendly drones reportedly reaches up to 100 kilometers, with an altitude limit of up to 5 kilometers. Flight testing of the system is expected to begin in the summer of this year.
Although the name of the system has not been disclosed, it is worth recalling that in 2023, Rostec announced that an IFF system for drones, with similar specifications for range and altitude, had completed testing and was ready for serial production.
It can be cautiously suggested that something went wrong with the project, leading to significant delays. Alternatively, though less likely, an upgraded version of the system is now under development based on operational experience.
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