Russia has presented a prototype of a new short-range air defense created to combat small UAVs.

Russian media has released photos and videos of the SHORAD.

A technology demonstrator of the new anti-aircraft gun system was presented at the opening ceremony of the International Youth Industrial Forum “Engineers of the Future – 2023” in the Tula region of the Russian Federation.

This anti-aircraft system is based on the chassis of the Soviet BTR-80 armored personnel carrier with a remotely controlled combat module and is equipped with two 23mm guns. It is stated that this system is designed to combat small drones.

The artillery armament of the system is represented by paired 2А7 23mm guns, borrowed from the Soviet ZSU-23-4 Shilka SPAAG. The ammunition includes standard Soviet high-explosive fragmentation rounds with a contact fuze.

SPAAG is equipped with an air target detection radar and a multi-channel optical aiming system with a thermal imaging matrix.

The hull of the armored personnel carrier in front of the combat module contains an installed sighting and observation system produced by the Russian company “Elins”.

The sighting system can monitor the space by 360 degrees, but its location narrows the viewing angle by almost half.

The turret is equipped with a traditional smoke screening system, namely 81mm mortars with smoke grenades installed on the top of the turret.

The manufacturer does not advertise the reliable characteristics of the combat vehicle. However, similar Soviet systems with 2А7 guns had a maximum “cap” of fire of 1.5 km and a range of 2.5 km.

The presented prototype provided the preserved chassis from the BTR-80 will be able to independently and without preparation overcome water obstacles due to sufficient amphibious capabilities and a water jet engine integrated into the stern.

The hull armor provides protection against light rifle weapons and small debris.