Russia’s RPC Pulsar has developed a drone-fitted Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system to avoid friendly fire. The miniaturized transponder can identify a drone at an altitude of 5 kilometers (3 miles) and a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles), according to parent company Rostec. The system has passed required tests and is ready for mass production, Topwar reported, citing Rostec.
In Ukraine, the system’s ability to identify a friendly drone from an enemy one is likely to enhance Russia’s drone efficiency in the Ukraine war, which has seen extensive drone deployment. The system’s light weight of 150 grams and low power consumption of 100 Millivolts enhances its suitability for battle deployment. Moreover, its compatibility with the Soviet-era Parol IFF system — employed on many Russian platforms — is an added advantage.
“Drones are now widely used on the battlefield, where they act as fire spotters and as means of surveillance and firepower,” said RPC Pulsar’s general director Sergey Borovoy. “However, the same models are often used by both parties to the conflict and this fact hinders their visual identification. Such identifiers will help distinguish friendly drones from hostile ones.”
