Russian technology developer Scientific and Production Center Ushkulnik has created a high-speed fixed-wing anti-drone named Krechet that reaches speeds of up to 450 kilometers per hour in flight.
A model of the uncrewed aircraft was publicly demonstrated for the first time at the International Technological Congress held at the Patriot Park exhibition venue near Moscow.
According to news agency RIA Novosti, Scientific and Production Center Ushkulnik director general Alexey Chadaev confirmed the development, describing Krechet as the fastest airplane-type anti-drone in Russia.
Design and operational capabilities
The aircraft is powered by two electric motors and is launched into the air using a catapult system. Chadaev said the catapult launch mechanism allows the craft to get airborne quickly without needing a runway.
The design incorporates forward-swept wings, an aerodynamic configuration where the wing structure angles toward the nose of the aircraft. Chadaev explained that this wing design gives the drone increased maneuverability while reducing its overall physical dimensions.
Forward-swept wings direct airflow inward toward the root of the wing rather than outward toward the tips. This structural arrangement helps maintain flight control at steep angles of attack and allows smaller airframes to achieve agility that would typically require a larger wingspan.
To destroy target aircraft, Krechet can operate in two distinct modes. Chadaev noted that the anti-drone is capable of striking incoming targets through a direct kinetic impact or by detonating an explosive warhead upon arrival.
Kinetic interception relies entirely on the vehicle speed and mass to shatter an opposing target through physical impact, whereas warhead detonation uses explosive force and fragmentation to neutralize airborne threats.
Patriot Park showcase and technology focus
The unveiling took place at Patriot Park, a military thematic park and exhibition complex located in Kubinka, west of Moscow. Managed by the Russian Ministry of Defence, the park hosts major national defence exhibitions, technological conventions, and military displays.
State news agency RIA Novosti, which reported Chadaev's statements from the congress, is headquartered in Moscow and serves as one of Russia's primary official news services for technological and military announcements.
Previous drone deployments
Chadaev had previously commented on other uncrewed systems developed for Russian military operations, including the Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky fiber-optic first-person view drone, commonly referred to as KVN.
He previously stated that an extended-range version of the KVN fiber-optic FPV drone demonstrated lower operational efficiency compared to standard models.
At the time of those comments, Chadaev also stated that millions of KVN drones had already been supplied to the special military operation zone.
Fiber-optic FPV drones utilize physical spools of glass fiber cable to send video and control signals between the pilot and the aircraft. This wired connection prevents radio signal jamming from electronic warfare systems, though it can limit flight range and maneuvering flexibility compared to wireless drones.
