The Russian weapons manufacturing company, Kalashnikov Concern, has developed a new satellite-independent navigation system for drones, with Moscow planning to test the new system in Ukraine.

According to Hungarian press, the optical navigation system allows unmanned vehicles, i.e., drones, to accurately navigate and reach their targets even if there is signal interference, meaning, without satellite communication. 

Two types of navigation systems (satellite and BONSZ) will be installed on the attack drones. If satellite signal is available, the drones will operate as normal. However, if signal is lost, the BONSZ system will kick in and help a drone find its way.

The goal of the development is to enable the drone to determine its own geographical coordinates from the surface image. 

Ukraine’s drone production capacity has increased dramatically, several times over the past year, with drone warfare taking center stage in the war for both Russia and Ukraine. 

Both sides have also excelled at interfering with the satellite communications of attacking drones, making Moscow’s development a key advantage that could change the course of the war.