Yolka (drone interceptor)
| Yolka (Ёлка) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Kinetic anti-drone UAV |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2025–present |
| Wars | Russo-Ukrainian war |
| Production history | |
| Unit cost | $500 (2026) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) |
| Warhead | none (kinetic interceptor) |
Operational range | 3 km (1.9 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (140 mph) |
Guidance system | Fire-and-forget; EO+AI |
Launch platform | Handheld, man-portable |
Yolka (Russian: Ёлка, lit. "Fir tree") is a Russian handheld interceptor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to counter small enemy drones. It was first reported in July 2025 and has been described in Russian media as a “fire-and-forget” anti-drone system intended for frontline and point-defense use.[1][2] It emerged amid ongoing technological adaptations by Russian forces in response to the widespread use of small first-person view (FPV) drones in the Russo-Ukrainian war.[3]
Development and design
Russian media first reported on the Yolka interceptor drone in July 2025. According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, the system is designed to autonomously track and intercept hostile drones after launch, requiring minimal operator input.[1] After being launched toward a detected target, the UAV reportedly uses onboard sensors and automated guidance to pursue and neutralize enemy drones without continuous manual control.[1][4] Open sources have not disclosed full technical specifications, including propulsion type, operational range, or guidance architecture. Russian sources emphasize ease of use and suitability for frontline troops facing frequent drone attacks.[4]
Operational use
In July 2025, Meduza reported that members of President Vladimir Putin's security team were observed carrying handheld interceptor drones, which analysts identified as anti-drone interceptors similar to or potentially including the Yolka system.[5]
References
- ^ a b c Petrov, Ivan (July 3, 2025). "Дрон-перехватчик "Елка": "запустил и забыл", дальше он все сделает сам [Interceptor drone "Yolka": "fire and forget", it will do everything itself thereafter]". Rossiyskaya Gazeta (in Russian). Retrieved March 2, 2026.
- ^ "В России создали уникальный дрон-перехватчик "Елка" [A unique interceptor drone "Yolka" was created in Russia]". TV Centre (in Russian). July 4, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
- ^ Institute for the Study of War (August 25, 2025). "Russian Force Generation and Technological Adaptations Update: August 25, 2025". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
- ^ a b Kots, Alexander (October 28, 2025). "Российская "Елка" против вражеских дронов: как работает новый перехватчик [Russian "Yolka" against enemy drones: how the new interceptor works]". Komsomolskaya Pravda (in Russian). Retrieved March 2, 2026.
- ^ "Putin's security team spotted carrying handheld interceptor drones". Meduza. July 30, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2026.