Russian ingenuity meets drone warfare: The JaKB-12.7 solution
The Russians are facing significant challenges in combating Ukrainian drones both on the front line and deeper within Russia. Some soldiers are trying to act independently, using whatever resources they have at their disposal. While some outcomes are ineffective, others are intriguing. We present an anti-drone system based on the Mi-24 helicopter's armament from the latter category.
Both Russians and Ukrainians are improvising with the production of anti-drone solutions. Some of these efforts fall short (the Russians have an advantage given their reputation for creating vehicles reminiscent of the Mad Max universe). In contrast, others prove very effective, such as the Ukrainians equipping M75 cannons with a fire control system and thermal imaging.
That said, on the Russian side, there are also practical solutions, like the one depicted in the photo below—a JaKB-12.7 large-calibre machine gun, calibre 12.7x108 mm, equipped with a collimator sight and a thermal imaging camera with a display. This setup is mounted on a tripod, likely attached to a Lada or another vehicle.
large-calibre JaKB-12.7 machine gun as anti-drone defense — the idea isn't new
The idea of using large-calibre machine guns as anti-drone weapons, with a theoretical range of up to 1.6 kilometres due to the availability and low cost of ammunition, isn't new. The Polish creation known as the "Monster from Tarnow" is based on this concept.
However, its Russian low-cost counterpart is not an automated weapon equipped with radars; instead, it is controlled by a shooter who uses a thermal imaging camera and possibly a laser rangefinder to measure the distance to the target.
JaKB-12.7 as anti-drone defense — it could work
If the shooter is experienced and has tracer ammunition, it could be effective, especially against larger bombing drones, like "Baba Yaga," at a range of several hundred metres. However, it won't have the precision and effectiveness of a computerized fire control system coupled with radar.
On the other hand, the JaKB-12.7 machine gun's firing rate, which is 4,000-5,000 rounds per minute, allows it to potentially "drench the target in lead," provided the ammunition supply is sufficient. More importantly, it's a more effective solution than the doomed attempt of shooting down drones at several hundred metres using AK rifles or shotguns.
