CapabilityUA · independent

Russia's Kochevnik: S-8VTs rocket converted to 4 km radar-homing anti-drone weapon

Published 9 November 2026

According to Defense Express analysis relayed by a Ukrainian channel, Russia has adapted S-8VTs unguided rockets — originally integrated on Ka-52M and Ka-29 helicopters and later Mi-8AMTSH-V — into a ground-based anti-drone system named Kochevnik (Nomad) with a claimed 4 km engagement range. Where the US APKWS uses semi-active laser guidance, Kochevnik reportedly carries a radar seeker and a proximity fuze. The source cautions that accuracy, rounds-per-kill and unit cost all remain undisclosed, leaving actual battlefield effectiveness unverified.

Sources — 1 source

Telegram channel:Istoria Zbroi (Історія_Зброї) friendly8 Nov 2026 Open the post

Topicsinterceptors drones components

Related findings

Kalashnikov programmable air-burst grenade round adds aerial-detonation drone-kill mode · 1 Oct 2026
Russian 'Yolka' interceptor: no night mode, no warhead mount, field payload improvised at 30–50 g · 13 Sep 2026
Russia's NPO Polet releases net-gun product line for hand-held and FPV-mounted drone capture · 2 Sep 2026
NPO Polyot Pauk: full four-variant spec sheet published including FPV-mounted model · 1 Jul 2026

← Latest findings · All findings from November 2026