Russia deploys radiation-resistant drones for post-nuclear rescue

Russian security services have obtained a new technology designed to equip unmanned aerial vehicles with the capability to function during a nuclear strike targeting the country. The system, referred to as the "Doomsday Drone," is intended to operate in environments characterized by intense radiation and electromagnetic pulses.

Drones detect radiation hotspots

Dmitry Kozyakin, chief designer at the Center for Multi-Purpose Unmanned Technologies, told the Russian state news agency TASS that these drones are fitted with sensors to monitor radiation levels and resist electromagnetic interference. Their primary mission is to pinpoint relatively safe areas immediately following a nuclear impact.

Kozyakin explained that radiation levels fluctuate drastically in the first hours and sometimes days after an attack. He noted the existence of focal points where radiation exceeds normal rates by hundreds of thousands or even one million times, while areas just one kilometer away may present acceptable exposure levels.

Integration with existing fleets

The center initially developed the drone as a standalone system but later determined that retrofitting existing security agency drones with this technology would be more practical. According to Kozyakin, Russia currently holds the top global ranking for the prevalence of drones among its security forces.

He stated that all relevant entities—including the Ministry of Emergency Situations, police, the National Guard, and the Armed Forces—are already equipped with drones. Consequently, the center is distributing the design documentation for this upgrade free of charge to these agencies.

Operational capabilities and safety

A prototype has been completed, with plans to control it from within a sealed shelter. Kozyakin emphasized that the "Doomsday Drone" can assess radioactive contamination levels within minutes. This rapid data collection is deemed essential for organizing rescue operations and managing civilian evacuations.

The chief designer asserted that the technology could save numerous lives among both military personnel and civilians. He outlined two approaches to handling such a disaster: acting without precise situational awareness, or conducting reconnaissance to evaluate conditions and establish safe evacuation corridors.