Russia's state-owned defense manufacturer Rostec has unveiled the ZAK-30 Citadel, a new stationary anti-drone turret designed to protect against quadcopters and fixed-wing drones using programmable 30mm airburst rounds. The system employs optical and radar sensors to detect and track incoming drones, while remote-controlled fuzes in its shells allow the rounds to detonate at the optimal point based on the target's trajectory.
Rostec claims the Citadel requires significantly fewer projectiles to destroy a single target compared to conventional ammunition, making it a cost-effective solution for drone defense. The turret’s rotating cannon is capable of pitching up and down to hit targets at higher angles. Rostec also stated that the Citadel has been tested in combat scenarios and can operate continuously 24/7.
The ZAK-30 Citadel will be showcased at a security forum in Moscow this week. This development marks Russia's entry into the smart ammo technology sector, where Western manufacturers like Rheinmetall and Northrop Grumman have already established themselves. Rheinmetall’s AHEAD shells and Northrop Grumman’s Mk310 programmable airburst munitions similarly release shrapnel upon detonation to maximize effectiveness against drones.
"The ZAK-30 Citadel is a significant advancement in anti-drone technology, leveraging programmable rounds to enhance precision and reduce resource expenditure," Rostec stated.
As drone warfare continues to evolve, the ZAK-30 Citadel represents Russia's effort to counter UAV threats on the battlefield, joining a global arms race focused on developing more efficient anti-drone systems.