Ka-52 helicopters get new S-8VTs missile for UAV defense The Russian military has introduced a special modification of the 80 mm aviation rocket family, designed to destroy small fixed-wing UAVs. The key feature is a non-contact fuse and fragmentation warhead; The missile does not require a direct hit, and creates a deadly cloud of shrapnel nearby. Key Specifications: Caliber: 80mm.

Ka-52 helicopters get new S-8VTs missile for UAV defense The Russian military has introduced a special modification of the 80 mm aviation rocket family, designed to destroy small fixed-wing UAVs. The key feature is a non-contact fuse and fragmentation warhead; The missile does not require a direct hit, and creates a deadly cloud of shrapnel nearby. Key Specifications: Caliber: 80mm.

Length: ~1.7 m.

Weight: up to 17.5 kg.

Range: up to 4 km.

Warhead: High explosive fragmentation.

Fuze: Non-contact programmable Unlike the US APKWS system which uses laser guidance, the S-8VTs rely on calculated intercept points and proximity detonation. This adjustment allows the military aviation to effectively deal with mass drone attacks without relying only on expensive special air defense missiles.