Russia has introduced a new short-range air defense (SHORAD) system, known as Zubr, aimed at countering low-altitude aerial threats on the modern battlefield. The system expands the Russian military’s air defense portfolio as forces adapt to the growing use of unmanned aerial systems and small aircraft in conflict zones.
Developed by state-owned defense firm Rostec, Zubr integrates airspace surveillance and fire control capabilities within a single architecture. Its radar sensors are designed to detect a wide range of airborne targets, from conventional aircraft to small and low-signature drones, enhancing situational awareness around protected sites.
Zubr features an automated operating mode that can independently track drones and manage target data without constant human intervention. While the system accelerates threat identification and tracking, the final decision to engage remains with a human operator, a design choice intended to reduce reaction time and operator workload, particularly during mass drone attacks.
Configured as a point-defense solution, Zubr is optimized to protect critical assets and infrastructure rather than conduct long-range engagements. The system consists of four independent weapon stations, each armed with 7.62×54mm machine guns, all linked to a central command-and-control unit that coordinates detection, tracking, and engagement.
