The problem with russian reconnaissance drones in Ukrainian skies is getting worse, so the best solution should be found. The concept of optimality includes not only the quality-price ratio, but also the mass application and the ability to scale it in the troops.
BAE Systems, a British defense company, showed TRIDON Mk2 anti-aircraft system during the Eurosatory 2024 defense exhibition. The claimed range of TRIDON Mk2 is up to 12 kilometers is, which is essentially the same as for a short-range SAM system.
Read more: Not a Single russia’s Kinzhal Missile has Reached Ukraine’s Capital Since May 2023 Due to American Patriot SAM System
The TRIDON Mk2 is powered by 40-mm Bofors 40 Mk4 autocannon, which is widely used in the navies of European countries and has proven to have the declared range characteristics in practice.
The declared rate of fire for the TRIDON Mk2 is 200-300 rounds per minute. Programmable Bofors 3P munitions are used to destroy air targets. All this makes this anti-aircraft weapon a kind of budget analog of a short-range air defense system.
The developers of the TRIDON Mk2 have provided the possibility of installing this anti-aircraft gun on various platforms. For instance, BVS 10 tracked all-terrain vehicles or Volvo civilian trucks can be used. For this purpose, this anti-aircraft system is equipped with an electric drive.
So it looks like TRIDON Mk2 is exactly what Ukraine needs to fight russian reconnaissance UAVs. However, there is a nuance. This anti-aircraft system is not yet a serial product and its production must be ordered. The production cycle is 15 months.
Even if Ukraine had such a tool that would allow it to destroy all reconnaissance UAVs quickly, efficiently and at low cost, it would still not solve the problem of russian army's reconnaissance and strike systems tied to the use of the Iskander systems.
Earlier Defense Express reported that Ukraine had deployed British windracers ULTRA cargo drones for military operations.
Read more: Eurosatory 2024, European Echo Chamber, and Foreign Market Entry: An Interview with the CEO of Thermo Projects Ukraine
