Lightweight Afghanit — Russia Demonstrates System Against FPV Drones

Russia has presented a new anti-drone system resembling the Afghanit active protection system.

Russian manufacturers introduced the system, which Volke reported on X, noting its similarities to Afghanit APS.

It is installed on the Armata family of tanks but features a significantly larger number of launch tubes, according to Army Reognition and Defense Mirror.

Like Afghanit, the system uses radar and optical sensors to detect targets, then engages them with munitions that create a cloud of debris around incoming drones.

The purpose is to destroy FPV drones or loitering munitions before they can strike the vehicle.

Based on its design, the system resembles the so-called lightweight Afghanit fitted on the Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle.

It features short launch tubes mounted at various angles, providing coverage from multiple directions.

European Security & Defence reports that the new system has many more launch tubes, enabling broad “damage sectors” to counter swarms of drones.

However, this design increases the system’s weight and maintenance requirements.

In addition to kinetic measures, Russian engineers pair the system with electronic jamming. Defense Mirror reported on May 1, 2025, that the systems operate across a wide frequency range — from 100 to 6,000 MHz — and can simultaneously jam multiple targets.

Reuters journalists note that having too many launch tubes could create new problems, from overloading the platform to the risk of striking friendly drones with debris.

Effectiveness will depend on sensor accuracy and integration with other defense measures.

Russian sources say the system is intended to counter FPV drones and loitering munitions, which Ukraine widely uses.

So far, there is no confirmation of its combat use — only promotional videos and demonstrations at training grounds, Army Recognition previously reported.

Overall, the new Russian system appears more as a prototype or experimental training platform than a deployed weapon. There is no evidence of mass production or frontline deployment to date.