Molniya interceptor drone

The Molniya UAV in flight

In recent months, Russian companies and organizations have developed and unveiled a number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) interceptors. These systems are used to enhance air defenses and counter enemy UAVs. A new model was recently announced: the "Molniya," according to the developer and media reports, has passed all necessary testing and is ready for serial production.

Interception tool

A new interceptor project has been created at the Unmanned Research and Production Center aviation The Scientific and Practical Center for Advanced Systems (NPC BAS) from the Tomsk Region—an autonomous non-profit organization established in 2025 as part of the national project of the same name—was the center's first large-scale and media-prominent independent development. The project and test results were announced in late May or early June 2026.

The project's goal was to create an interceptor for engaging small air targets. According to its developer, the Molniya was based on solutions previously used in other projects.

By now, the Molniya has completed the main stages of development and testing, during which, according to the BAS Research and Production Center, it has confirmed its design characteristics—in particular, its high flight speed.

The details of the tests are not being disclosed: where and how they were conducted is unknown. The device was supposed to be tested at a test site; combat zone tests with launches against real targets are also possible.

The BAS Scientific and Production Center declares its readiness for serial production—with a capacity, according to the center, of up to 10 units per month. The center has mastered the manufacture of electric motors and housings, the latter of which are produced using its own additive manufacturing facilities. Electronic units are also assembled in-house, but the component base (microchips and other elements) remains largely imported. Full-scale serial production is possible upon receipt of an order.

The Ministry of Defense could be the primary customer for the new UAVs. This technology is suitable for mobile fire teams and other units. Defense near-field zone. In addition, thanks to the introduction of experimental legal regimes (ELR) in the UAS sector Drones and interception tools can also be supplied to non-governmental structures, such as security services of fuel and energy complex and agro-industrial complex enterprises.

If necessary, the interceptor can return and land.

Combat quadcopter

The Molniya is a lightweight UAV designed to intercept and destroy aerial targets. It is proposed to be used as part of air defense systems that also include detection and control systems.

The Molniya is a hybrid of a quadcopter and an aircraft. This design is widely used in modern UAV projects and is believed to provide the speed and maneuverability necessary for interception.

The drone has a torpedo-shaped fuselage. The central section houses an X-shaped wing, with the propeller units housed at the tips. The tail houses a swept stabilizer, which also serves as the landing gear.

Dimensions were not disclosed. According to published data, the length and wingspan do not exceed a few dozen centimeters. Takeoff weight is 2,5 kg.

The Molniya has an electric propulsion system. A battery is housed inside the fuselage, powering four motors. Synchronized or differentiated engine thrust adjustments allow for vertical and horizontal flight, as well as maneuvers. Takeoff and landing are vertical, without the need for special equipment.

The declared characteristics of the device:

• maximum speed - 330 km / h;
  
• maximum flight range - 15 km;
  
• interception range (altitude) – from 1,5 to 5 km.

Speed ​​and mass parameters are confirmed by media publications; data on interception range and altitude are not disclosed in detail in open sources.

The UAV has a combined control and guidance system. Initially, it is controlled remotely from the ground; upon establishing visual contact with the target, homing mode is activated using a video camera and thermal imaging. If interception is unsuccessful, the aircraft can return to its launch site and land.

Unlike some similar interceptors, the Molniya is equipped with a warhead. According to the developer, the 300g warhead, with a range of up to 5 meters, is sufficient to destroy typical small targets; a direct hit increases effectiveness.

Interface of the unmanned aerial system in remote control mode

The interception system, along with the Molniya, must include detection systems—radar or optoelectronic. These data are used to launch and initially guide the interceptors.

The system's components are intended to be mounted on suitable vehicles. This mobile system could be used by short-range air defense units. Specific configurations have not yet been disclosed; they may be determined by the customer based on their needs.

"Lightning" among its analogues

"Molniya" belongs to the class of high-speed interceptors aimed at the physical destruction of airborne targets - primarily reconnaissance UAVs of the aircraft type and dronesKamikaze. In recent months, several similar developments have been unveiled in Russia (specifications are provided by their creators):

• The Hermes Design Bureau interceptor is the closest conceptual analogue; the declared speed is 200–300 km/h, guidance is achieved using automatic video signal analysis algorithms;
  
• "Varvar" is an interceptor with a speed of up to 250 km/h and automatic target acquisition at a distance of up to 250 m, aimed at protecting industrial infrastructure;
  
• Kazan interceptor (introduced in spring 2026) - speed up to 300 km/h, altitude up to 3 km, guidance using AI;
  
• The Wolf-18 (Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern) is one of the first domestically produced interceptor quadcopters; unlike the Molniya, its primary means of destruction is a net launcher, or, in extreme cases, ramming.

The other side is also developing similar solutions. The Ukrainian P1-Sun FPV interceptor is similar to the Molniya in its stated speed (up to 310 km/h) and is designed to counter UAVs like the Shahed/Geran; the Lis/Lis-2 series operates on a similar principle of rapid takeoff for interception with automatic target acquisition. This demonstrates that the concept chosen by the UAS Research and Production Center fits into the overall development of short-range air defense systems, rather than being a stand-alone solution.

Advantages and limitations

Compared to these analogues, the product of the Scientific and Production Center BAS has a number of features that determine its potential.

The device retains the advantages typical of such equipment: relative simplicity and low cost of production and operation, suitability for mass production and use in repelling massive air raids.

The main claimed advantage is its high speed. While most of the listed models have a speed of 200–310 km/h, the Molniya is claimed to have a speed of 330 km/h. This provides a performance advantage over typical attack UAVs (the cruising speed of the Shahed/Geran class is approximately 180 km/h) and, as intended, allows it to engage targets on both collision and intersecting courses, as well as in pursuit mode. Whether this is feasible in practice can only be judged by the results of combat use.

A combined guidance principle has been proposed: the operator guides the aircraft to the target, while actual guidance is performed automatically using optics. This, according to the design, increases the likelihood of a successful attack and reduces the influence of human error. However, optical homing is dependent on weather, time of day, and smoke, and the remote control channel is vulnerable to interference during the initial phase of flight. EW - these limitations remain common to similar systems.

The Molniya-based system is flexible: it can be deployed on various self-propelled platforms, utilize various target acquisition systems, and operate using external target designation. The concept's limiting factor is its short interception range (1,5–5 km): covering extended frontiers would require a dense network of launch sites.

The interceptor has passed testing, and production facilities are ready for its production. The future of the Molniya depends on the customers: once an order is placed, the device will be able to demonstrate its true effectiveness in combat conditions, which will validate its stated characteristics.

Comments

[fiberboard]

So many developments. But what's the point? Chemezov, Manturov, and Reshetnikov won't give it a go anyway. If these three had just sat in the trenches for a week, maybe they'd have a different view on the need for interceptor drones. But for now, St. Petersburg, Crimea, Saratov, and the Urals are burning. Good old Marx was right: "Being determines consciousness." Or another Russian proverb: "Until the rooster pecks your ass, a man won't move."

[SmolH2]

There's a nuance here. Businesses can buy it too. And they're counting their money; the main thing is that they have the item.

[PROXOR]

The issue shouldn't be addressed at the specific targets, but across the entire space. If we recruited people from the population, assigned them these lightning bolts, and offered a reward for each one shot down, I think the incidences of strikes on oil refineries and the like would be much lower.

[alexoff]

Businesses can buy Yolka. But this is a combat unit; it's unlikely anyone other than security forces has the right to purchase such a thing.

[Kingissep]

It seems to me that if we don’t save the situation in September with the democratic tools we have, it will follow the Iranian scenario: major losses (we’re already at that stage) > authorities realizing the problem > solving the problem properly, without any botched work (for example, the last Iranian-American-Israeli war).

[fiberboard]

The last two points raise serious doubts in my mind. It's already clear that the "company in power" is incapable of "recognizing the problem," much less "solving it properly." As for the first point (massive losses), I completely agree with you; just visit Russian cemeteries.

[Kingissep]

If the current government, as you see it, is incapable of recognizing and resolving the problem even after suffering even greater losses than it already has, the situation will get even worse. I'm still hoping for the best, that we'll bring the situation under control in September. Or (which is far more dire and difficult for the country)—at worst, an Iranian scenario.

[fiberboard]

The Iranian "scenario" is unlikely to happen to us; they'll hit us with all their might right away. Iran is a Muslim country, surrounded by Muslims. Yes, there are many disagreements between them, but many view Iran's war with the US and Israel as a war against "infidels." Both Arabs and Turks are already fed up with Israel. We don't have such a "Muslim" factor. Orthodox Greece and Georgia are practically enemies, while Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia also support Ukraine (which is Orthodox). And all those entrenched in the Kremlin have become quite tiresome for NATO leaders. Therefore, if they hit us, they'll hit us hard. That's my honest opinion. But I don't think Europe will agree to this; it will prolong the conflict by supplying the Ukrainians with weapons as much as possible.

[Gennady_but_not_a_crocodile]

How bad these Chemezovs, Manturovs and Reshetnikovs are, but how good is the one who appointed them!

[fiberboard]

The one who "appointed" them said clearly: "now is not the time to look for the guilty!"

[tlauicol]

After all, our bureaucratic apparatus is inert, cumbersome, lazy, and stupid. Jokes about trampolines and the sick Chinese pilot are already becoming reality. Only now the jokes will be on us.
Ukrainians They've already started installing automatic net-throwing systems on equipment; they're thinking 10 steps and a hundred options ahead. And we "haven't even started yet."
I've always said that our adversaries have two allies: our civilian bureaucracy and the generals (i.e., the military bureaucracy). With allies like these, even Estonia can fight us.

[Kingissep]

our civil bureaucracy and generals

They have more important things to do: rip off budget funds and export them abroad. Do they even care about the people of the country they're ripping off? I don't think they associate themselves with Russia. I'm not saying everyone is like that; I'd like to believe there are honest officials and generals out there.

[Dead duck]

Interface of the unmanned aerial system in remote control mode

- Why is the telemetry in bourgeois? Is it "all domestic" again, or are they gearing up for export straight away?

[Sergey Kirakosyan]

They target the device by default.

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Deadush

- Why is the telemetry in bourgeois? Is it "all domestic" again, or are they gearing up for export straight away?

The article clearly states: all components, except for the engines, are imported.

The center has mastered the production of electric motors and housings, which are manufactured using its own additive manufacturing facilities. Electronic components are also assembled on-site, but the component base (microchips and other elements) remains largely imported.

If we want it cheap and fast, this is, unfortunately, the only option. Because localization involves development, prototype production, testing, refinement, production of equipment for mass production, mass production, certification, and so on. It's all money and time, money and time.
Moreover, this is still in a light version, without the technical specifications from the Ministry of Defense in the style of "withstand a fall from a height of 1000 m, immersion to a depth of 500 m, overloads of 200 G and a nuclear explosion of 20 kt at a distance of 50 m".

[alexoff]

except engines

I suspect that if the engines have neodymium magnets, then they are also not very domestic

And this is still in a light version, without the technical specifications from the Ministry of Defense.

That's why folk craftsmen do it, and not some NGO

[ANB]

Why is the telemetry in bourgeois? Is it "all domestic" again, or are they gearing up for export?

1. They stole ready-made software from somewhere.
2. Texts in bourgeois are actually shorter. More words fit on the screen, with less overlapping images.

[Good Evil]

Recently, a new prototype has been announced: the "Molniya" product, according to the developer and media reports, has passed the necessary tests and is ready for serial production.

Testing is complete, production is ready—so what's not in production yet, or at the LBS? Is there no need for them? Or no money? That would shake up our fat cats! Although, what am I saying? Who would shake them up? Well, at least they could cut back on aid to "friendly states" a bit, or something.
Or is the article just an advertisement from the developer?

[Stas157]

Quote: Good evil

Or is the article just an advertisement from the developer?

Advertising opportunities. Our officials were particularly successful at this, as were all the numerous exhibitions and parades.

Now all these interceptors would be deployed to new regions to combat American Hornet UAVs.

[Kingissep]

There seems to be progress in small-scale air defense systems locally—just look at the regular interceptions of Ukrainian submarines by Rubicon anti-aircraft drones—but this experience needs to be scaled up across all dangerous areas, starting with the oil refineries themselves, the naval bases in Crimea, and so on.

[Nikolaevich I]

There seem to be a lot of Molniyas out there! Now, before reading an article about the next Molniya, I suggest you have a spare half-liter bottle in the kitchen cupboard to make it easier to understand! First, we were introduced to the jet-powered Molniya (formerly the Piranha), which was supposed to operate in conjunction with the heavy Grom UAV! Then came the propeller-driven Molniya-1 and Molniya-2, which soon became very popular in the Air Defense Forces! Later, the Molniya-10 (or Molniya-PVO) was a drone interceptor based on the Molniya-2! Also propeller-driven, like an airplane... And now, the somewhat incomprehensible Molniya interceptor! Mama mio! Help!

[Andy_nsk]

The BAS Scientific and Production Center declares its readiness for serial production—with a capacity, according to the center, of up to 10 units per month. The center has mastered the manufacture of electric motors and housings, the latter of which are manufactured using its own additive manufacturing facilities.

Additive manufacturing for large-scale production? They probably should have developed something more productive. I got the impression they weren't counting on a large order from the Ministry of Defense. Maybe they really will get some orders from the oil industry. 3D printers would be enough for that.

[APASUS]

Hitler couldn't defeat our country, Napoleon got a kick in the pants, and only made it to St. Helena. But our own bureaucrat will ruin it. There have been a lot of examples lately, but it's the bureaucrat who decides who gets the order.
A front-line veteran like Zhoga should be put in charge of procurement for the front, not as a presidential representative. Otherwise, a lady like T.V. Shevtsova is sitting there deciding who gets to distribute the UAV order.

[Kingissep]

I agree, if the government doesn't change, it's scary to imagine how this will all end.

[the same doctor]

UAV interception systems must be airborne: i.e., the Molniya system must be based on an aircraft-type UAV that will also act as a repeater. At the LBS, the carrier must be single- or two-seat, while in the rear, aircraft up to the size of an An-2 can be used. Only airborne deployment can ensure an acceptable ratio of interceptors and the need for their concentration at the attack site. Proximity to the repeater will reduce the risk of electronic warfare. However, the future lies in directional radio communications at frequencies above 10 gigahertz.
An exceptionally accurate attempt to automate the final strike. Target acquisition, target selection, and target acquisition are handled by the operator, while the tumbling during the strike is handled by the automation.

The design (or rather, diagram) shown in the photo is optimal and can be used for most ground and airborne UAV targets when striking at a distance of up to 5-10 km.
.
Give the factory some money, pay for the machines and equipment, attach a communications research institute, and beef it up with programmers and electronics engineers. In two weeks, you'll have real weapons on the front lines.

[ANB]

In two weeks

That's overly optimistic. But two months is a perfectly realistic timeframe with proper organization.

[Mint Gingerbread]

330 km/h is not enough; products of this design can reach speeds of up to 700 km/h.

[Kingissep]

There's potential for small-scale air defense, but the "honest" wise guys in the command lack the desire and the funds for mass implementation. Yet billions could have already been saved on repairs to refineries and oil terminals.