Russia Developing Cerberus System for Managing Swarm of Tethered Drones
Russia is reportedly developing a truck-mounted system called “Cerberus,” designed to launch and control a swarm of tethered drones.
The system functions as a mobile platform, housing up to 12 interconnected drone hangars linked by optical fibers.
This setup will allow tethered drones (unmanned aerial systems connected to the ground via a cable for continuous power) to operate in pairs, with one conducting reconnaissance and the other tracking and engaging targets.
It is expected to provide the Russian military with a “self-sufficient” drone unit capable of executing a wide range of missions.
Mikhail Klimchuk, executive director of the company behind the Cerberus system, described the platform as a comprehensive command-and-control center for tethered drone swarms. “This is their food, brain, and hangar,” he explained.
Russian designers are developing a “Cerberus” control and charging system for a swarm of fiber-optic drones that consists of a platform with 6 or 12 hangars for these UAVs. The entire system takes off from the truck and releases drones, which acts as a “swarm” via AI tech.… pic.twitter.com/8RgJKI11q1
— Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) February 5, 2025
Broader Potential Use
Beyond reconnaissance and strike missions, the Cerberus system reportedly has broader applications in autonomous warfare, including intelligence gathering and defensive operations.
It can deploy heat decoys to mislead enemy missiles or coordinate with anti-air defense systems to strengthen overall defense.
The platform also incorporates artificial intelligence, enabling the drone swarm to function as a unified entity that adapts to evolving battlefield conditions.
“If necessary, the artificial intelligence module can be programmed to perform tasks autonomously,” Klimchuk stated.
Russian engineers are in the advanced stages of development, with the system set to be officially unveiled at the Army 2025 forum in August.
