The Krona-E system is a representation of just how far the Russian Armed Forces have come from those early days of the war they initiated in February 2022.
Russia’s Krona-E anti-drone system has emerged from Moscow’s experience against Ukrainian drones during its ongoing war in that country. The war—now in its fourth year—has been defined by the injudicious use of unmanned vehicles by both sides fighting in the conflict. Indeed, these unmanned systems have completely upended the conventional assumptions undergirding modern warfare—and forced both sides, particularly the Russians, to develop a coterie of increasingly sophisticated anti-drone systems.
The Krona-E is one such countermeasure. It was unveiled by the Kalashnikov Group at the IDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, representing a significant step forward in addressing the growing challenge of drone warfare. Designed to protect critical infrastructure, government facilities, and urban areas, the Krona-E combines advanced detection, automation, and precision-guided missiles to counter a wide range of aerial threats—notably drones.
At its core, the Krona-E is a short-range surface-to-air missile system. The Kalashnikov Group, its designer, is known for its smaller arms—notably the iconic AK-47 assault rifle and its subsequent derivatives—but the design bureau has upped their game and moved into more advanced defense systems, reflecting the kind of all-hands-on-deck approach that the Ukraine War has required of Russia.
Understanding the Krona-E Missile Defense System
The Krona-E is an integrated defense network comprising detection systems, automated command posts, and mobile or stationary combat modules.
Two guided missiles, the 9M340 and the 9M333 ensure that this system can destroy any drones it detects—as well as a range of other threats, including cruise missiles, helicopters, and precision-guided munitions. The 9M340, a newer missile, employs laser-guided technology for enhanced precision, while the 9M333, a Soviet-era missile with infrared homing, provides a reliable fallback. This combination reflects a pragmatic approach, blending modern innovation with proven technology to ensure operational flexibility.
In spite of its flexibility, the Krona-E was clearly designed to rebuff Ukraine’s significant drone threat, which has riled the Kremlin throughout the Ukraine War. The Krona-E is expected to be deployed around key installations inside Russia, such as oil refineries, communication hubs, and military bases. Its engagement rate is estimated to be between one and seven miles (depending on the missile variant). The system’s vertical launch capability ensures 360-degree coverage, allowing it to respond to threats from any direction—a critical feature in dynamic battlefields where drones often approach unpredictably.
In other words, the Krona-E can create a reliable and effective protective “shell” around strategic assets.
A standout feature of the Krona-E system includes a dual-band radar system for target acquisition and tracking, and a combat vehicle built on the chassis of a wheeled armored personnel carrier, such as the BTR-82A, ensuring mobility and adaptability. Indeed, the radar system incorporates multi-mode, phased-array technology. This radar works in any weather condition and is thought to be able to cut through heavy electronic jamming environments, thanks to electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) capabilities.
Vitally, much of the Krona-E’s work is automated with the use of artificial intelligence. This automation reduces the system’s reliance on human operators, allowing for faster reaction times—reportedly as low as eight to ten seconds for target engagement, a vital advantage against fast-moving or low-flying drones.
The Krona-E’s integration with broader air defense networks, such as the Pantsir-S1 or S-400 systems, enhances its role in layered defense strategies. By sharing data with other platforms, it can prioritize targets and coordinate responses, creating a robust shield against both individual drones and “swarm” attacks.
And its optical-electronic systems, including daylight and thermal cameras, complement radar detection, making it harder for stealthy or low-signature drones to evade interception.
The Krona-E is Russia’s Premier Anti-Drone Export
Globally, the Krona-E positions Russia as a key player in the anti-drone market, appealing to nations facing similar threats from drones used by insurgents, terrorists, or rival states. Its debut at IDEX 2025 signals Russia’s intent to export the system to countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, where drone warfare is a growing concern.
By offering a modular and relatively affordable solution, Russia aims to compete with Western systems like the American Patriot or Israel’s Iron Dome. However, the Krona-E is expected to be cheaper than both of these systems, significantly cutting into the competitive advantages of the Israeli and American alternatives.
Kalashnikov’s Krona-E system aligns with Russia’s broader military doctrine of layered air defense, where short-range systems complement Russia’s medium-and-long-range platforms to create overlapping zones of protection. This approach is particularly relevant in urban or industrial environments, where precision is essential to avoid collateral damage. Furthermore, the Krona-E’s mobility allows it to be deployed rapidly to protect temporary or forward-operating bases inside Ukraine, enhancing Russia’s operational flexibility in conflict zones.
The system is a representation of just how far the Russian Armed Forces have come from those early days of the war they initiated in February 2022. At that time, Moscow assumed they could blitzkrieg their way to victory with a relatively small force in a few short days. Three long years later, that dream has been shattered. But the Russians have adapted.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / pingvin121674.
