UPDATE - Russian Manufacturer Starts Development Of Micro Drone For Ratnik Infantry Gear - Rostec

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th February, 2019) Russia's Research Institute of Precision Machine Building (TsNIITochMash), which is a part of the Rostec state corporation, started development of a micro drone for the Ratnik infantry gear, the Rostec's press service told Sputnik on Sunday.

"This is a modern 'smart' system of aerial intelligence on the basis of an ultralight unmanned aerial vehicle. It will become a part of the third-generation Ratnik infantry gear," Industrial Director of the Rostec's Armament Cluster Sergey Abramov said.

He pointed out that the unique technologies would allow the micro drone to operate even while facing counteraction of electronic warfare systems.

The company's press service dwelt on the drone's future characteristics, adding that it would be actually a pocket-size multicopter.

"According to TSNIITOCHMASH's [Russia's Research Institute of Precision Machine Building, a Rosctec subsidiary] plans, the 'soldier of the future' should be equipped with a pocket-size drone. Inexpensive (in fact it is a consumable item), but effective. It will be a multicopter with a small flight radius � within 1 kilometer [0.6 mile]. This is enough to conduct reconnaissance and accomplish certain tactical tasks," Rostec added.

The drone, which will have a weight of about 1.5 kilograms (some 3.3 Pounds), will be able to operate under any weather conditions.

Ratnik is an infantry combat system, developed in Russia as a "future soldier" concept. It includes dozens of pieces of equipment, comprising firearms, body armor, optical, communication and navigation devices, as well as life support and power supply systems.