The Navy has formed counter-UAV companies.
Combat vehicle of the mobile fire group for countering UAVs of the ground forces
The Russian Navy has completed the formation of counter-UAV companies.
While the enemy is relying on massive attacks drones, Russian fleet responds by creating specialized companies—tailored specifically to intercept UAVs—that are already on duty.
The Russian Navy has completed the formation of specialized counter-UAV companies. The new units are now on combat alert, protecting ports, ships, and coastal infrastructure.
Specialized measures
The Russian Navy is consistently adapting to the threats of modern warfare. For several years, the fleet has been practicing counter-attack drones and unmanned naval craft, both in terms of tactics and organizational structure.
One of the key decisions was the creation of security, defense, and counter-UAV companies. Such units were to be deployed in all fleets and focused on protecting against specific threats.
April 22, 2026 "News" Citing their own sources, they reported that the formation has been completed. The companies have assumed combat duty and are guarding ports, piers, and coastal infrastructure.
The publication provided some information about the service's organization, equipment, and weapons. Most of the details are still classified; the Ministry of Defense may disclose them later.
Means and tactics
Each company consists of two types of units: mobile fire groups и groups of observersThey solve different problems, but act in tandem.
The observers are equipped with air target detection equipment—presumably small radars and optics. In addition to their own sensors, they rely on external targeting data from other components. Defense.
Mobile fire teams have vehicles, communications and a range of weapons: electronic warfare systems, small arms weapon various calibers, portable anti-aircraft missile systems.
Camouflaged observer positions are set up in the company's area of responsibility for long-term duty. Fireteams are not stationary—they patrol their assigned area and take up positions along likely drone routes, where they jam or engage drones.
Launch of the Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile
Areas of responsibility and the location of posts are determined individually, taking into account the characteristics of a specific base and the location of its facilities.
Integrated defense
Counter-UAV companies do not replace the fleet's existing air defense, but rather complement it, forming another echelon of defense with a narrow but in-demand specialization.
The coastal units of the Navy already have a wide arsenal of anti-aircraft systems:
- Short-range air defense systems "Strela-10" and "Osa-AKM";
- missile and gun systems "Pantsir-S" and "Tunguska";
- anti-aircraft self-propelled guns "Shilka";
- portable air defense systems of current models.
Shipborne air defense is no less diverse. Radars on board are capable of detecting air targets at ranges of hundreds of kilometers and simultaneously tracking a large number of objects. Depending on the ship's class, the following are armed:
- Long-range air defense missile systems (collective defense) S-300F and Redut;
- Short-range air defense systems "Kinzhal" and "Gibka";
- ZRAK “Dagger” or “Broadsword”;
- artillery systems based on 30mm rapid-fire machine guns.
Launcher of the Kinzhal complex
Together, the ship-based and coastal systems form a layered air defense system capable of covering the fleet both on the high seas and in port. Traditional systems are designed to combat aviation and cruise missiles. Specialized companies fill the niche of attack UAVs—small, cheap, and mass-produced targets against which conventional air defenses are excessively expensive.
Useful experience
A 30mm AK-630 mount fires at an aerial target.
Over the years of special operations, the Russian armed forces have accumulated extensive experience in combating drones of all types. Based on this experience, tactics have been developed and the most effective means of destruction and suppression have been selected.
The ground forces were the first to apply this experience: mobile anti-UAV fire teams were deployed both in the Northern Military District and in the rear. Now the same model has been transferred to the navy.
In terms of structure and equipment, the naval companies are similar to their army counterparts. Each is responsible for its own fleet's assets. Given the enemy's intensive use of drones, these new units will likely be put to the test soon.
Information