PRETORIA, September 18. /TASS/. Components of Russia’s Zhnets UAV countermeasure system, developed by Rosel Holding (part of Rostec), were showcased by Russia for the first time at the Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD) 2026 international exhibition in South Africa, Stanislav Volsky, the development and digital transformation director at the Vektor Research Institute, told TASS.
The products are being presented as part of the joint exhibit of the state arms exporter Rosoboronexport (a subsidiary of Rostec). Rosel presented components of the Zhnets anti-UAV system for the first time at the exhibition in South Africa. The system includes UAV detection radio frequency and radar systems, as well as radio frequency jamming capabilities. The system is controlled by special Vector-HUB software. "This is a situation center that displays the air situation and allows for the control of detection and jamming equipment. The system can operate in manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic modes," said Volsky.
According to him, the detection systems showcased at the exhibition are the Ogonyok and Rucheyok products. Ogonyok analyzes the radio spectrum in the frequency range from 250 MHz to 12 GHz and detects signals emitted by UAVs. It analyzes these signals and identifies the specific UAVs in the air. The Rucheyok system is capable of intercepting video streams from FPV drone cameras. "In other words, to see through the intruder’s eyes," Volsky noted.
Jamming systems that are part of the Zhnets complex are also on display in Pretoria. "The jamming systems featured at the exhibition are the Serp-VS6 and Press. The Serp family jamming systems are designed on a modular principle. Serp-VS6 and Serp-VS7 together form the Serp-VS13 system, which generates jamming across 13 bands simultaneously. But that’s not the limit. A system capable of operating simultaneously across 40 bands has been put into production," the expert added.
Volsky noted that mobile protection against FPV drones is an important achievement. "It is essential for supporting mobile armed units, special services, protection of convoys, and repair crews. Modern threats require powerful countermeasures. Therefore, portable systems and anti-drone guns can no longer provide the required level of protection. Rosel presented the Press-VM system for countering FPV drones mounted on a wheeled chassis at the exhibition," he added.
The expert specified that Press-VM includes the Ogonyok and Rucheyok detection systems, as well as a vehicle-mounted version of the Serp jammer--the Press. Press specializes in countering FPV drones. Press-VM is based on a pickup truck, with a powerful power unit hidden in its cargo bed," Volsky said.
