Samuel Bendett Profile picture
Aug 14, 2023 56 tweets 33 min read Read on X
1/ THREAD: Today, Russia opened its annual ARMY (АРМИЯ 2023) military expo and forum. Will maintain a thread of technologies and systems exhibited and disused there, focusing on drones, UAVs, autonomous and robotic systems, both Russian and international.
2/ Iran, China and India have a large presence at this Forum. There is still a significant Russian interest in Iranian drones, such as Arash.
3/ Putin taped his address to the Forum, highlighting that this year, "80 foreign organizations present their exposition at the forum, there were only 32 year; and Russia's domestic market for products using artificial intelligence is growing."
4/ Pilyugin Research and Production Center for Automation and Instrumentation exhibited a flying wing -type UAV at the Army-2023 forum, with payloads weighing up to 4.5 kg and communication ranges up to 60 km." Image
5/ The Astron Optical and Mechanical Design Bureau has presented an upgraded UAV400T reconnaissance drone equipped with a system for dropping shaped-charge ammunition. This drone is equipped with a thermal imager. tass.com/defense/1660065


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6/ Interestingly, Iran is also exhibiting electronic warfare systems at this forum, signifying a major Russian need for such technology against Ukraine's drones and UAVs. Image
7/ A large hexarotor UAV for dropping heavy-caliber munitions was presented by Tyumen Higher Military Engineer Command School. These types of drones are used by both sides, and Russians dubbed Ukr. versions "Baba Yaga" - a witch in Russian folklore. t.me/UAVDEV/3300
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8/ "TRITON" modular suppression system for protection against FPV drones installed on the T-72B3M tank at the ARMY 2023 forum. t.me/labppsh/750
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9/ The Russian military is exhibiting a Tigr-M armored vehicle with extra protection dubbed "Mad Max," featuring additional armor plates. This is an old tactic used by many military and non-military forces for many decades at this point. #ARMY2023 t.me/rian_ru/212083


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10/ The OKO Design Bureau - a small start up that manufactures Privet-82 kamikaze drone - is exhibiting a larger Privet-120 "homber" drone with a supposed range of up to 200km and 20kg payload. t.me/kb_oko/86
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11/ Putin said that special attention at the #ARMY2023 forum will be devoted to unmanned aerial vehicles. Image
12/ Dmitry Kuzyakin, Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions, compared FPV drones to early firearms: “In modern military conflicts, this (FPV) is akin to the appearance of small arms in the Middle Ages - back then, they looked like pipes, gunpowder was made by the shooters themselves. It didn't work right away. And literally a hundred years have passed, and countries that have not mastered these small arms have become historical outsiders."
13/ Kuzyakin is exhibiting his Centers "Joker" FPV drone series - he said that the first combat use for his drone took place on March 10, 2022. Image
14/ More from Kuzyakin: "FPV drones have a colossal potential - some can even chase and target helicopters. Some FPV drones can take off to a high altitude in mere seconds. Russia maintains parity (with Ukraine) in combat FPV drone use." tvzvezda.ru/news/202381415…
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15/ Belarus is exhibiting its Kvadro-1400 heavy quadcopter armed with two RPGs. Apparently, this UAV is now in service with the Belarus military. t.me/uav_tech/19159

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16/ Orion-E UCAV at the forum. t.me/xronikabpla/53…
17/ Denis Manturov, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, at the #ARMY2023: "UAVs, guided missiles, engineering equipment are now most in demand among the troops." Image
18/ Lynya, one of Russian Telegram bloggers, "reviews" what looks like a Russian quadcopter that costs 160K rubles ($1600) at the #ARMY2023, hinting that it costs three time more than a typical FPV drone should. t.me/Lunay14/10014
19/ Russia's Rosoboronexport says at #ARMY2023 that African nations are most interested in Russian UAVs, drones, EW and small arms. On possible offer are Orlan-10, Orlan-30, KUB and possibly Zala drones, along with a number of portable EW systems. Image
20/ Russia's Kronshtadt confirms at #ARMY2023 that it tested Sirius long-range UCAV earlier this year. Image
21/ The Russian MOD at the #ARMY2023: "The forum's program is focused on artificial intelligence tech and diversification of the defense industry, the newest control and intelligence systems, high-accuracy weapons and robotics. Special attention is paid to UAVs." Image
22/ Governor of Russia's Astrakhan region announced at #ARMY2023 the start of "Lotosnik" FPV drone manufacturing (at 500 drones per month) for the war. This FPV can carry a 3kg warhead.
23/ Rostec announced that its Prometheus software and hardware system that can turn any infantry fighting vehicle, APC or a tank into a remotely controlled robotic vehicle is preparing for the final tests. The current emphasis is on increasing autonomy: "the combat vehicle will be able to move without the participation of the operator along the given coordinates with access to the required point, autonomously determine the best route, bypass obstacles, and quickly process information using technical vision."
24/ Rostec also announced that it is increasing Lancet loitering munition production to meet wartime demand. t.me/uav_tech/19165
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25/ Russia's PLAZ Design Bureau exhibited multiple quadcopter and multirotor drones at the #ARMY2023. t.me/uav_tech/19180



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26/ A large selection of FPV-type drones at #ARMY2023. and t.me/uav_tech/19221
t.me/uav_tech/19235



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27/ More FPV-type drones and a few ISR UAVs on exhibit at #ARMY2023 and t.me/uav_tech/19230
t.me/uav_tech/19235



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28/ CUAS systems exhibited at #ARMY2023 t.me/uav_tech/19221



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29/ Oduvanchik (Dandelion) ISR drone exhibited at the #ARMY2023 forum t.me/uav_tech/19250


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30/ More CUAS rifles at the forum t.me/uav_tech/19260



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31/ Clover combat quadcopter and several ISR/combat helicopter drone concepts at the forum. t.me/uav_tech/19268



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32/ More FPV drones and different UAV types exhibited at the forum - from Russian Telegram channels. t.me/UAVDEV/3373



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33/ A few small UGVs and additional small drone products at the #ARMY2023 forum. and t.me/UAVDEV/3383
t.me/UAVDEV/3353



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34/ Russia's Eniks display at the forum, the maker of the Eleron-3 ISR drone and now now T-16 ISR UAV - both are used in Ukraine. Other Eleron models shown that may be flyting in Ukraine as well. t.me/uav_tech/19294



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35/ More FPVs and quadcopters on display at the #ARMY2023 - some FPVs like "Granat" shown are specifically designed for carrying an RPG charge. and t.me/uav_tech/19299
t.me/uav_tech/19303



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36/ Sukhoi Design Bureau (part of Rostec) is demonstrating a concept for a heavy unmanned combat drone based on the Su-75 design. #ARMY2023 t.me/uav_tech/19313
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37/ Uralvagonzavod presented a combat module against maritime drones. t.me/rian_ru/212313
38/ Russia's Suprecam drones on display - these were used by Russian forces in Ukraine. t.me/uav_tech/19275



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39/ Russia's RK-700M USV at the #ARMY2023 forum - the USV comes with a number of different modules and sensors.
40/ Russia's PPsh Lab exhibited a modular CUAS/EW system comprising of anti-drone rifle and suppression points. t.me/labppsh/760
41/ The Russian MOD signed a contract for a delivery of Uran-6 demining UGVs. Image
42/ Rostec's Pulsar research and production enterprise announced at #ARMY2023 that it is developing a small-sized "friend or foe" transponder for unmanned aerial vehicles to minimize friendly fire and EW fratricide. Image
43/ Russia's "Android Technologies" claims to develop a technology for the Marker combat UGV autonomous movement in fog and smoke, when onboard LIDAR and optics may not be effective. Image
44/ Potentially significant news for many volunteer organizations in Russia working on combat drones and FPV projects: Kalashnikov intends "to fully support talented drone developers in order to further involve them in the production process," implying assistance to a variety of initiatives.

45/ Russia's "Remdizel" announced at #ARMY2023 that it will improve the autonomy of "Zubilo" (Chisel) unmanned combat vehicle after testing by the military: "the servicemen wish that if the signal is lost while driving, the UGV would stop or return to operators".
46/ Russia's United Aircraft Corporation announced that an initial batch of Okhotnik UCAVs is getting assembled in Novosibirsk. Image
47/ Russia's "Kotlin-Novator" showcased a small "Veter" (Wind) and a larger X-89 quadcopters that can withstand EW, and apparently feature autonomous navigation. So far, these drones were not delivered to the Russian forces in Ukraine. Image
48/ Electric helicopter-type drone presented at #ARMY2023 t.me/uav_tech/19407
49/ Russian defense company announced the development of a 23mm controlled detonation ammunition to target small drones. Image
50/ Rosoboronexport is showcasing an Orlan-30 UAV export version equipped with a laser target designation system for precision-guided munitions like Krasnopol. Image
51/ Russia's Aeroscan Defense Enterprise has announced a new "Product-54"(«Изделие 54») - a long-range kamikaze drone undergoing testing. t.me/uav_tech/19428
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52/ A quadcopter named "Surprise", made of carbon and plastic, is presented at the #ARMY2023. It can apparently carry up to 7kg to a distance of up to 10km and carry two 82mm mines. It can also act as a kamikaze drone to a distance of up to 20km. t.me/rian_ru/212490

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53/ A Grom (Thunder) folding quadcopter designed for recon and munitions drop was unveiled at the #Army2023 - it can carry a maximum payload of 4 kg to a distance of up to 12 km. Image
54/ The "Hornet" ("Шершень" - also dubbed "Flying binoculars") hexacopter at the Army-2023 - it is equipped with a video and a thermal imaging cameras and repeaters. Its range is up to 12km, with a 3kg payload. Image
55/ Rosoboronexport claims that Kalvesin-1RE deep-water UUV is now offered for export as part of the company's overall export portfolio. The UUV can dive up to 6000 meters deep.

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56/ Russia's Triton and PPSh Lab are developing defenses for tanks and armored vehicles against quadcopters and FPV-type drones that work in the 400/800/900/2400 MHz ranges.

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More from @sambendett

Feb 1
1/ QUICK TAKE: Russia's Rybar, an active pro-Kremlin TG channel, is at it again - "What if "Geran-2 drones were launched at America from Cuba?": "Given the current US actions, the main question is not whether the US will strike Cuba, but when and how." t.me/rybar/77101 x.com/sambendett/sta…Image
2/ "Cuba, along with Venezuela and Nicaragua, has been an anti-American stronghold in the Caribbean region, and after the overthrow of Maduro, US interest has increased. But what will the Cubans do in the event of a conflict?"
3/ "Let's hypothetically imagine that Havana decides to fight back against the Americans and wants to wage war. And this is where the now familiar "Geran" attack drones could come to the rescue. What targets could be threatened if these UAVs were deployed?"
Read 17 tweets
Jan 30
1/ QUICK TAKE from a Ukrainian mil blogger on the formation of Russia's 50th Unmanned Systems Forces Brigade in Yeysk area, Rostov region. Its estimated active date is December 1, 2026. The brigade has the following units: t.me/zvizdecmanhust…Image
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2/ The brigade will include the following number of UAV, UGV and USV crews:
- Forpost/Inokhodets UAVs – 4
- Orlan/Supercam UAVs - 150
- Lancet loitering munitions - 22
- Geran-type attack UAVs - 21
- aerial targets – 6
- FPV quadcopter type – 52
- FPV fixed-wing type – 52
3/ - FPV on fiber optic cable – 50
- quadcopter type UAVs – 2
- heavy quadcopter type UAVs – 2
- UGV – 80
- USV – 24
- UAV interceptors – 63
- Electronic intelligence (ELINT) – 54
- Radar stations (RADAR) – 18
- Counter-UAV systems – 9
Read 18 tweets
Jan 29
1/ THREAD on the impact of the Ukraine combat on the Russian capacity to fight the emerging warfare style, described by Ruslan Pukhov, director of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST). Main points below: kommersant.ru/doc/8380069 x.com/sambendett/sta…Image
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2/ "The events of the war in Ukraine have demonstrated a fundamentally new form of large-scale military conflict, characterized by a shift from the "mechanized warfare" of the industrial era to "drone warfare," or "digital" ("information") warfare of the post-industrial era."
3/ "In fact, we are now witnessing a new revolution in military affairs – the "drone revolution," and it is clear that this revolution will continue to develop and deepen, as the possibilities for expanding "drone warfare" clearly outweigh the possibilities and prospects for overcoming it."
Read 36 tweets
Nov 13, 2025
1/ THREAD: Now that the Rus MOD has signaled that the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) are established, here is a take from Rus mil commentators on what USF can mean for the larger force - main points translated in this thread below. t.me/gvZapad/17121 x.com/sambendett/sta…Image
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2/ "People: Without developing human potential, nothing will work. We need to change approaches, constantly improve UxS training, and, once again, learn to value the personnel in whom we've invested so much time and money. The quality of work improves with experience."
3/ "Mistakes are inevitable, and people must be unafraid to make them if progress is to be high-quality. We can't send drone operators to assault units, as some commanders do. Otherwise, the whole process becomes meaningless. Plugging (tactical) holes on the battlefield is a consequence of many problems."
Read 14 tweets
Oct 31, 2025
1/ THREAD on the new "digital warfare" as seen in Ukraine, described Russia's Gen(ret) Yuri Baluyevsky, former Chief of the General Staff in 2004-2008, and Ruslan Pukhov, director of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST). Main points below: globalaffairs.ru/articles/czifr…Image
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2/ "There's every reason to believe that the "digital warfare" process will continue to expand and deepen, as the potential for escalating "drone warfare" exceeds the ability to effectively counter this type of weaponry."
3/ "The miniaturization and cost reduction of componentry, along with the development of networked solutions (specifically networked ones; the trendy artificial intelligence will likely remain a secondary factor for a long time to come) are leading to combat operations..."
Read 57 tweets
Oct 3, 2025
Ukraine's @Textyorgua_Eng on the gray zone in the war - an area that stretches 25-30 km, and as much as 40km, "a chaotic kill zone riddled with trenches, dugouts, mines and rubble, constantly monitored and hit by drones, with both sides using a wide range of weapons." texty.org.ua/projects/11592…Image
The rotation in this gray zone is a difficult and dangerous: "Pickup trucks take the infantry 1–7 km to the trenches/dugouts. Then the guys walk the rest of the way, carrying 20–40 kg of stuff: ammo, gear, water, food, and tactical electronic warfare equipment." Image
"Sometimes UGVs are used for logistics and evac on the front lines. This type of technology is still in its infancy, and there are many problems with UGVs. But often they are the last straw that people grab onto when they need to make an important delivery or pick up a wounded soldier."Image
Read 9 tweets

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