New Citadel Anti-Aircraft System with Smart Projectiles will be Demonstrated in the Moscow Region

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:31]In response to the rapid evolution of unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs, on modern battlefields, Russia's Rostec State Corporation [music] has introduced the ZAK-30 Citadel, a new anti-aircraft artillery system specifically designed to destroy drones.

[00:00:46]The development was announced by the company's press service on May 25th, 2026.

[00:00:52]This system marks another step in addressing the increasing use of both commercial-style multicopter [music] drones and more advanced aircraft-type UAVs in conflicts around the world.

[00:01:07]Why drone defense matters today?

[00:01:13]Drones have transformed warfare. Cheap, small multicopters can carry explosives or conduct surveillance, while larger loitering munitions and [music] aircraft-type UAVs pose serious risks to critical infrastructure, military bases, [music] and civilian areas.

[00:01:28]Traditional air defense systems, often built [music] for jets and missiles, can struggle with slow, low-flying, or numerous small targets.

[00:01:36]This has created a strong demand for specialized, cost-effective solutions like the Citadel that focus on short- to medium-range protection.

[00:01:45]The Citadel is built to protect stationary objects such as industrial sites, military installations, airports, or key government buildings.

[00:01:53]It operates around the clock in all weather conditions, providing continuous defense against aerial threats.

[00:02:03]Technical features of the ZAK-30 Citadel. The Citadel, also referred to as ZAK-30, features a 30-mm automatic cannon.

[00:02:12]Its effective range [music] reaches up to 4 km horizontally and altitudes of up to 3 km, making it well-suited for engaging drones at typical operational heights.

[00:02:23]One of its most innovative aspects is the use of advanced ammunition. Shells filled with shrapnel and equipped with a remotely controlled fuse.

[00:02:31]Unlike standard artillery rounds that explode on impact or at a fixed time, these smart projectiles allow the system to calculate and trigger detonation at the precise moment along the target's flight path.

[00:02:43]This dramatically improves hit probability [music] and efficiency. As a result, operators need significantly fewer shells to neutralize a single drone compared to conventional systems.

[00:02:54]This efficiency reduces costs, minimizes ammunition waste, and allows the system to handle multiple threats more effectively during swarm attacks.

[00:03:07]Advanced detection and tracking.

[00:03:08]Reliable targeting starts with detection. The Citadel integrates both radar and optoelectric systems. Radar provides all-weather 24/7 tracking capabilities.

[00:03:20]Optoelectric channels work in both visible [music] light and infrared IR spectrum, allowing the system to spot and follow drones even at night or in low visibility conditions.

[00:03:32]This multi-sensor approach ensures the system can identify small, low-signature UAVs that might evade simpler defenses.

[00:03:40]The guidance system processes data quickly to compute the optimal detonation point for each shot.

[00:03:46]The complex can also fire standard projectiles, giving operators flexibility depending on the situation and available ammunition. [music] Real-world performance. [music] Rostec reports that the Citadel's effectiveness has already been proven in actual operating conditions.

[00:04:04]Reports indicate it is undergoing combat testing as part of air defense groups protecting major cities, successfully contributing to the interception of incoming drones.

[00:04:16]This real-world validation is crucial.

[00:04:19]Many systems perform well in tests, but face unexpected challenges in live scenarios, such as electronic jamming, [music] weather, or coordinated drone attacks.

[00:04:28]The Citadel appears designed to address these practical demands.

[00:04:35]The public [music] will soon see the Citadel in action. It will be presented at the live arena in the Moscow [music] region during a security forum scheduled from May 26th to 29th, 2026.

[00:04:46]Visitors and specialists [music] will have the opportunity to learn more about its capabilities through live demonstrations.

[00:05:01]Complementary technologies, the Vika system. The Citadel announcement builds on other recent Rostec developments in counter-drone technology.

[00:05:10]On April 27th, 2026, the company unveiled the Vika drone suppression system.

[00:05:16]Vika uses precise electronic effects to disrupt drone navigation without broadly interfering with surrounding infrastructure or communications.

[00:05:24]Vika works in clusters of six to eight units, with each covering a specific sector for comprehensive 360° protection.

[00:05:32]When a threat is detected, it analyzes signal strength from multiple [music] directions to pinpoint the drone's location before applying targeted jamming.

[00:05:40]Together, kinetic solutions like the Citadel, which physically destroys targets, and electronic [music] warfare systems like Vika offer layered defense options.

[00:05:49]Commanders can choose the most appropriate response based [music] on the threat level, location, and rules of engagement.

[00:06:05]Broader context [music] in global counter-drone efforts, Rostec's innovations reflect a worldwide trend.

[00:06:11]Many countries are investing heavily in counter-UAS [music] unmanned aircraft systems technologies, including lasers, microwaves, guns, and jammers.

[00:06:20]The Citadel stands out for its balance of affordability, precision, and proven ammunition efficiency using existing 30-mm platforms.

[00:06:31]Experts note that systems based on modules [music] like the BM-30D Spitsa may offer integration potential with other Russian air defense assets, creating network protection layers.

[00:06:52]As drone technology continues to advance with improvements in autonomy, [music] stealth, and swarm coordination, defensive systems must evolve, too.

[00:07:01]The ZAK-30 Citadel represents Rostec's commitment to developing practical, effective tools that address today's threats while remaining adaptable for the future.

[00:07:10]>> [screaming] >> By combining smart ammunition, [music] multi-sensor detection, and round-the-clock reliability, the Citadel offers a robust solution for protecting [music] valuable assets from aerial attacks.

[00:07:23]Its upcoming demonstration at the Security Forum will likely attract significant attention from defense specialists and potential [music] partners.

[00:07:34]In an era where the skies are increasingly crowded with both friendly and hostile drones, systems like the Citadel [music] play a vital role in maintaining on the ground.

[00:07:43]As conflicts [music] and security challenges persist globally, expect further developments in this fast-moving field.

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