Izhevsk-based group of companies, “Unmanned Systems,” is participating for the first time in the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where it is showcasing its flagship dual-use Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the Supercam S350. Concurrently, the Kalashnikov Group is also in Abu Dhabi, presenting a modernised version of the Supercam S350 UAV – the “Skat 350M” reconnaissance and surveillance system.
As part of the unified Russian exhibit, “Unmanned Systems” has brought other models of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to IDEX, including the Supercam SX350 tiltrotor, the compact fixed-wing Supercam S150 UAV, and the Supercam X4 and Supercam X4E multirotor drones, according to a company press release.
The Supercam S350 UAV is widely employed by the Russian military in the Special Military Operation zone and is capable of operating at any time of day and in challenging weather conditions, at temperatures up to +45°C. These attributes, combined with real-world operational experience in a high-intensity conflict, make the Supercam S350 relevant to Gulf states, where it could be used for border security, counter-terrorism operations, and infrastructure monitoring for oil and gas companies, such as Saudi Aramco.
Among the targets detected by the Supercam S350 UAV and subsequently destroyed by artillery and strike drones are American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, M-113 armoured personnel carriers, M119 and M777 howitzers, Paladin self-propelled howitzers, HMMWV armoured vehicles, Patriot surface-to-air missile systems, and HIMARS multiple rocket launcher systems.
Also identified by the Supercam were Czech Vampire MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems), French CAESAR self-propelled artillery pieces, Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks, Turkish Cobra armoured vehicles, as well as Soviet-era Buk-M1 systems and other hardware. The Supercam S350 demonstrates high effectiveness in fire correction against ammunition depots, temporary deployment areas, strongpoints and command posts, aerial reconnaissance positions, and enemy UAV control hubs.
In the civilian domain, the Supercam S350 has found applications in construction, agriculture, the extractive industries, and power line monitoring. The UAV has gained recognition among major Russian companies, including Rosneft and Gazprom, as well as energy and agro-industrial holdings. A comprehensive approach, enabled by mathematical image processing technologies, facilitates tasks ranging from cartography to automated object recognition.
This lightweight and manoeuvrable fixed-wing drone, designed with a flying wing configuration, has a video link range of over 70 km. The payload suite includes high-resolution video cameras with a thermal imager for night-time reconnaissance operations. The UAV is powered by an electric motor with a three-bladed tractor propeller, rendering it inaudible from the ground at operational altitudes. It’s launched using an elastic bungee or pneumatic catapult, and upon recovery, descends via parachute with an automatic riser release system.
Among the technical advantages of the Supercam S350, “Unmanned Systems” cites modular composite components and interchangeable payloads. The ability to detect objects in both the visible and infrared spectrum enhances the overall effectiveness of the system.
Source: RuAviation