Moscow — Russia’s Scientific and Production Center Ushkuynik has presented the “Paseka” (Apiary) anti-drone system, a short-range counter-UAV complex that uses nylon nets instead of explosives to intercept approaching drones. The system was presented in connection with the International Technology Congress 2026.
Paseka is designed around a fixed, semi-circular mount carrying 12 small mortars. Each mortar launches a 4-by-4-meter nylon net toward an approaching unmanned aerial vehicle. The stated engagement range is 10 to 30 meters, with the net intended to entangle the drone’s propellers and prevent it from continuing its flight.
Russia’s Ushkuynik center unveils “Paseka” (Apiary) anti-drone system.
— The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) September 11, 2026
12 small mortars fire 4×4 m nylon nets up to 30 m. AI computer vision detects & classifies drones, then triggers launch. No explosives. Can mount on vehicles, robots or trucks. pic.twitter.com/4yfglywOJ9
AI-Based Drone Detection
The system uses a computer-vision system based on a neural-network model to detect and classify objects in its surrounding area. According to information provided about the system, the software is designed to identify drones and issue the command to fire a net.
Paseka can operate using 5-volt batteries, which are sufficient to power between two and four cameras. For operation at night, the system requires connection to a thermal imaging camera.
The mortar cartridges can also be changed quickly, allowing the system to be prepared for another engagement after firing.
Designed for Military and Civilian Platforms
According to Alexey Chadayev, head of the Ushkuynik center, Paseka does not use explosives in its net cartridges. The developers are therefore considering applications beyond military vehicles.
Potential platforms mentioned by the developers include military combat vehicles, ground-based robotic systems and freight trucks operating on public roads. The proposal to use the system on trucks is intended to provide protection against drones while the vehicles are moving along roads.
The developers also point to the cost of the ammunition as an advantage. Chadayev said the net charges cost significantly less than interceptor drones or missiles, potentially making the approach more accessible for wider deployment.
Mobile Operation Still Not Demonstrated
While Ushkuynik has discussed installing Paseka on moving vehicles, publicly available demonstrations have shown the system operating from a stationary position. Its performance when mounted on moving platforms has not been publicly demonstrated in the available material.
Paseka is one of several counter-drone technologies displayed by Ushkuynik at the International Technology Congress 2026. The center, based in Veliky Novgorod, has also developed other unmanned and counter-UAV systems.
The system represents a short-range approach to countering small drones by physically entangling them with a net rather than using an explosive interceptor. Its proposed use on military vehicles, ground robots and civilian freight trucks broadens the range of platforms for which Ushkuynik is considering the technology.
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