New footage circulating online appears to show Russian forces deploying the Yolka mobile interceptor drone system in combat, suggesting wider operational use of the low-cost anti-drone weapon designed to target enemy reconnaissance aircraft and drones from a first-person perspective.The latest video shows a Russian soldier firing the compact interceptor missile from a handheld, pistol-like device before it autonomously tracks and engages its target.
The Yulka system first came to public attention during Russia’s Victory Day military parade in May 2025, when a security officer was seen standing near President Vladimir Putin carrying a compact drone-like device, which analysts later speculated was the Yulka system or a related variant.Video evidence of the drone’s use first emerged in September 2024, highlighting its role as a “fire-and-forget” portable interceptor designed to counter the growing threat posed by drones on the battlefield.Unlike conventional interceptor missiles, the Yulka missile does not carry an explosive warhead. Instead, it relies on direct kinetic impact to destroy or disable enemy drones, reducing the risk of collateral damage.The interceptor features a cylindrical fuselage with two sets of X-shaped wings and is powered by four electric motors mounted in its rear section.
Open source reports indicate that it uses a dual-spectrum finder that combines thermal and optical tracking and an artificial intelligence module.“Once the seeker is locked on the target, the drone is set to transition to autonomous flight.”The AI-powered guidance system allows the drone to continue tracking targets autonomously after launch, and is said to be resistant to traditional electronic warfare jamming.According to available specifications, the Yolka can engage targets at a distance of up to 3-4 kilometers and reach a speed of about 200-250 km/h. The weight of the interceptor missile is said to be between 1 and 3 kilograms, while the weight of the complete launch system is about 6 kilograms, allowing it to be operated by a single soldier.Open source evaluations estimate that each Yolka interceptor missile costs about US$500, making it a relatively inexpensive solution against increasingly common drones on the battlefield.The emergence of systems like Yolka reflects the growing focus on portable anti-drone weapons, as militaries seek cost-effective ways to counter the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare.
