Ukraine Tests Slovak WOLF 25 AD – New Anti-Drone System for the Frontlines

Описание: Ukraine has begun testing the Slovak-made WOLF 25 AD short-range air-defense system, aiming to strengthen frontline protection against Russian attack drones. The system, recently showcased at the IDET defense exhibition, has already arrived in Ukraine for comprehensive field trials. If successful, Kyiv may purchase hundreds of these vehicles to defend artillery units, convoys, and command posts from low-flying threats.

Developed by a Slovak defense consortium, the WOLF 25 AD is built on a WOLF 4×4 armored chassis and integrates the Valhalla Manguard 25 AD turret from Slovenia. Its main armament—a 25 mm automatic cannon with programmable ammunition—offers high precision and reduced cost compared to heavier 30 mm systems.

Detection is handled by a Rheinmetall S-band radar, capable of tracking up to 150 aerial targets simultaneously. Detection range reaches 20 km for fighters, 12 km for helicopters, and up to 10 km for drones such as the Lancet. During trials, the system successfully neutralized FPV drones at ranges of 300–350 m using standard 25 mm shells.

Ukraine is also evaluating the possibility of mounting the system on its own Varta 2 armored vehicle, though integration challenges remain due to power and cooling requirements. If trials prove successful, the WOLF 25 AD could become a core element of Ukraine’s short-range air-defense network, protecting troops and infrastructure from the growing drone threat.