SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Bengaluru-based startup Zulu Defence Systems is making waves in the defense sector with its cutting-edge development, VOLUME35, a weaponized Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platform. The VOLUME35 is a game-changer for air defense in India, with the ability to carry and launch the highly effective Igla-S shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles. This innovative UAS platform could significantly enhance India’s air defense capabilities, offering unmatched mobility, flexibility, and rapid deployment in combating enemy aerial threats.
The Igla-S is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) designed for targeting and neutralizing low-flying enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones. This Russian-made system is known for its effectiveness, precision, and ease of use, and has been widely adopted by military forces around the world.
The integration of the Igla-S missile system with Zulu Defence Systems’ VOLUME35 UAS platform represents a monumental step forward in drone-based air defense. By weaponizing a UAS with a MANPADS system, the platform provides key advantages that could transform the air defense landscape in India.
Here are some of the critical advantages of this integration:
Traditionally, air defense systems like the Igla-S are operated manually by soldiers, which limits their deployment to locations where troops can reach. The VOLUME35 UAS overcomes this limitation by providing a mobile platform that can be rapidly deployed to a wider range of locations, including remote or inaccessible areas. This enhances the overall mobility of the air defense system, allowing it to be positioned closer to potential threats, like incoming enemy aircraft or UAVs.
While MANPADS like the Igla-S offer excellent targeting within a certain range, their reach can be limited by the operator’s position. By mounting these missiles onto a drone platform like VOLUME35, the system can be airborne, extending the missile’s engagement range and positioning it closer to enemy aircraft before launching an attack. This provides better coverage of critical airspace and improved response times against fast-moving targets.
The VOLUME35 UAS platform is designed with advanced real-time situational awareness systems that provide operators with crucial data about their surroundings. With its high-resolution sensors and real-time video feed, the UAS can identify, track, and engage enemy aircraft with pinpoint accuracy. This reduces human error and increases the likelihood of neutralizing aerial threats before they can reach their targets.
By using unmanned systems like VOLUME35, military personnel are no longer required to place themselves in high-risk areas to operate air defense systems like the Igla-S. Instead, the UAS can be remotely piloted to hostile or contested areas, eliminating the need for physical proximity to enemy aircraft or incoming threats. This significantly enhances the safety of soldiers while still providing strong air defense coverage.
The VOLUME35 platform, combined with advanced AI and autonomous control capabilities, allows for automated operations or remote control from a command center. This reduces the need for a constant human presence, enabling the system to act independently when needed. Additionally, the UAS can work in conjunction with other defense systems and coordinate with manned units, creating a layered defense network that maximizes the effectiveness of air defense strategies.
One of the major advantages of weaponized UAS platforms is their versatility. The VOLUME35 can be deployed in various combat situations, from high-altitude aerial defense to low-level engagements against enemy drones or aircraft. This adaptability makes it a crucial asset for a wide range of operations, whether in urban areas, mountainous terrain, or coastal regions.
Compared to larger, more traditional air defense systems, the VOLUME35 UAS offers a cost-effective solution for protecting critical airspace. Its modular design allows for easy upgrades and maintenance, while its smaller size and flexibility reduce logistical challenges. This makes it an affordable option for deploying a highly capable air defense network across multiple locations.
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