Ukrainian company Rovertech develops active protection system against Russian FPV drones | Ukrainska Pravda
AI Analysis
Ukrainian firm Rovertech is developing 'Tarantul,' an active protection system (APS) designed to counter FPV drones targeting their Zmii unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The system utilizes AI-powered sensors and a net launcher for automated drone interception at close range. Current challenges focus on improving net launcher reliability and adapting European drone detection tech to the dynamic battlefield conditions in Ukraine.
Key Takeaways
- Rovertech's 'Tarantul' APS employs AI-driven detection and a net launcher to defend UGVs from FPV drones.
- The system is currently in the prototype phase, with field tests demonstrating successful drone interceptions.
- A major limitation is the inconsistency and lack of suitable specifications for existing net launcher technology.
- Development is being conducted in collaboration with the Snake Island Institute, the 3rd Army Corps, Brave1, and AB3.Tech.
- Rovertech has previously produced specialized Zmii UGVs for various military applications (manipulation, transport, firefighting).
Why It Matters
The development of a dedicated APS for UGVs represents a critical adaptation to the evolving drone warfare landscape in Ukraine. Successful implementation could significantly enhance the survivability of robotic assets on the battlefield, allowing for more effective logistical support, reconnaissance, and combat roles. This development highlights the increasing need for localized, rapidly-developed counter-drone solutions.
Ukrainian company Rovertech develops active protection system against Russian FPV drones | Ukrainska Pravda
Zmii UGV with a prototype of the Tarantul APS. Oboronka
Ukrainian company Rovertech, known for producing the Zmii (Snake) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), is developing its own active protection system (APS) against FPV drones, called Tarantul.
Source: Borys Drozhak, co-founder of Rovertech, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda
Details: The Snake Island Institute, together with the 3rd Army Corps, the Brave1 defence tech cluster and AB3.Tech, organised a crash test of FPV drone detection systems. [The Snake Island Institute is an organisation established to fortify the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the US with a particular focus on defence and security cooperation. AB3 Tech is a platform launched by Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade to help Ukrainian defence tech companies test and scale their products – ed.]
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The main idea behind the APS is to detect an FPV drone and down it with a net launcher at close range to prevent the UGV from being hit or to minimise damage.
The system consists of several sensors, an AI-programmed camera and a net launcher. The artificial intelligence tracks the presence of FPV drones around the UGV, calculates the distance to the target and automatically fires the net if the drone approaches.
Quote: "No one has made anything like this yet. There are many parameters that determine whether a drone can be successfully shot down: the size of the drone, weather, dust and damage. An APS needs several artificial intelligence systems at once that can see the asset, avoid accidental activation and hit the target. And all of this has to be inexpensive."
Zmii UGV with a prototype of the Tarantul APS
Oboronka
More details: The net launchers themselves remain a separate problem. Drozhak said they are inconsistent in terms of effectiveness and lack the necessary specifications for installation on a UGV. There are also issues with adapting them to operating conditions.
Quote: "There are some drone detection developments in Europe, but they are not designed for our conditions, where everything is moving and shaking. Not to mention that, besides spotting the drone, you still have to shoot at it."
More details: The version presented is an early prototype. Rovertech has already conducted a series of field tests in which it managed to shoot down a drone and has developed a new version of the system that it is not yet presenting publicly.
Background: It was reported earlier that Rovertech had created specialised versions of the Zmii UGV for the military, including robots equipped with a manipulator arm, a tipper-lorry body and a firefighting configuration.
Read more about how production of the Zmii UGV: Inside a plant making Zmii ground drones: how miners have set up a robot production facility in Lviv Oblast
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