Russia has strengthened its battlefield air defense network with the introduction of Zubr, a new short-range air defense (SHORAD) system designed to counter emerging aerial threats. The system combines integrated airspace monitoring, surveillance, and control functions, supported by radar sensors capable of identifying both conventional aircraft and small drones.
Developed by Rostec, Zubr incorporates automated target-tracking capabilities, allowing it to monitor drones without continuous human intervention while maintaining operator authority over engagement decisions. This automation is intended to accelerate reaction times and reduce cognitive load on operators, especially during massed or coordinated drone attacks.
As a point-defense platform, Zubr is optimized to safeguard critical and high-value assets rather than conduct extended-range interception missions. The system is built around four autonomous weapon stations equipped with 7.62×54mm machine guns, all linked to a central command-and-control hub that coordinates detection, tracking, and engagement functions across the system.
