The Kalashnikov defense industry group said on August 10 that the improved Vikhr version has been used in real combat to deal with unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to information published by TASS, the new missile is supplemented with a non-contact target sensor, allowing Vikhr to perform aerial target interception missions. Previously, Vikhr was mainly used to attack armored vehicles and ground targets from Ka-52 helicopters.
Vikhr still uses laser guidance. However, detailed information about the new sensor and missile's operating capabilities has not been announced by Kalashnikov.
The Ka-52 Alligator is a Russian attack helicopter, designed to carry out ground attack missions. The integrated improved Vikhr helps this platform take on additional tasks to deal with some types of unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to TASS, the change stems from the increasing popularity of unmanned aerial vehicles on the battlefield. The exploitation of existing Vikhr missiles and improvements to perform new missions helps Russia add more anti-UAV maneuvers.
Kalashnikov Group has not fully announced the technical specifications of the new Vikhr version. Therefore, there is not enough data to accurately assess the interception range or effectiveness of missiles against different types of UAVs.
The Vikhr improvement takes place in the context that Russia is also expanding the ability to use manned aircraft to deal with UAVs. Some other platforms such as the Yak-130M have been announced by Russia as capable of performing heavy UAV combat missions.
These moves show that UAVs are changing requirements for air defense and air force forces, forcing existing weapons and means to be adjusted to meet new tasks.
