MOSCOW, — Rostec State Corporation’s RosEl holding has developed and begun production of the SOKOL-08, a mobile radar station designed to detect small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone swarms. Rostec announced the system on August 28.
The SOKOL-08 uses a 2D phased-array antenna operating in the X-band. According to Rostec, the radar is designed to detect low-flying and low-observable targets and can identify objects as small as a small bird or a compact commercial drone.
The radar can detect and track up to 100 objects simultaneously. Its machine-learning algorithms classify detected objects and automatically filter out safe targets, with the aim of reducing false alarms.
360-degree and sector scanning
The SOKOL-08 can operate in two scanning modes depending on the mission. It can conduct 360-degree circular scanning or 90-degree sector scanning.
In surveillance mode, the station can track up to 100 objects at the same time. Rostec also says that its high-speed mode allows operators to track a selected UAV together with an interceptor drone operating against that target.
Designed for rapid deployment
A key feature of the system is its ability to operate without a specially prepared deployment site. The station weighs less than 28 kg, allowing it to be moved between positions.
The SOKOL-08 incorporates a satellite navigation module and an inclinometer. These systems allow the radar to determine its position, identify the north direction and compensate for installation errors caused by horizontal misalignment or tilt. Rostec says these functions support faster deployment and autonomous setup.
Power and environmental specifications
The radar consumes up to 350 watts of power and can operate from either a 220-volt industrial power network or a 24-volt onboard power network.
Its enclosure has an IP66 protection rating against dust and moisture. The station is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +60°C.
Part of a larger anti-drone network
Rostec said the SOKOL-08 is being developed as part of its layered anti-drone defense concept, rather than as an isolated radar system.
According to the company, Rostec enterprises produce systems covering different layers of counter-drone defense, including detection and suppression equipment, surface-to-air missile systems and interceptor drones. RosEl’s HUB integration buses are intended to connect equipment from different manufacturers to a unified situational control center.
Rostec therefore describes the SOKOL-08 as one component of a broader digital air-defense architecture, where radar detection can be integrated with other counter-drone systems.
With production now underway, the SOKOL-08 adds a mobile radar component to RosEl’s developing range of systems for detecting small UAVs and managing multiple aerial targets.
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