- Category
- Latest news
Made-in-Ukraine “Tsvyakh” Turret Aims to Revolutionize Lightweight Missile and MANPADS Launch Platforms
- Authors
![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukrainian defense developers are working on a new robotic turret designed to simplify the use of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and lightweight surface-to-air missiles. The system, called “Tsvyakh” (“Nail”), is being developed by the private company NoviTechNet.
According to Defense Express on July 12, the Tsvyakh turret is intended to work with both imported systems like the Swedish RBS 70 and domestically developed air defense missiles currently in production.
Initially designed for use with sniper rifles and small arms, the turret demonstrated high precision, achieving a 5 cm grouping at a distance of 1 km during testing. It is remotely operated.
The company notes that the turret was originally built to support small arms but is now being re-engineered for missile integration. This includes compatibility with future Ukrainian air defense systems, ensuring that a launch platform will be available by the time missile development is complete.
While the Tsvyakh system is reported to be one of the most cost-effective options on the market, the company acknowledges it has fallen behind competitors due to internal workforce issues. At present, only the small arms version exists in working form, while the missile-capable variant remains a prototype.
The turret occupies a niche segment of the market focused on air defense, where most remote weapon stations typically support automatic grenade launchers, machine guns, or anti-tank guided missiles. A rotating turret for MANPADS could improve targeting efficiency and increase operator safety.
The system is being developed as a flexible base platform, with no missile-specific targeting system built in. Developers say that adapting it for a particular guidance method or missile type would be the responsibility of the missile manufacturers.
This may complicate integration, especially for Western systems that require laser targeting or advanced optics.
-69b59d47dbeaba8282816bfee26fa328.png)
However, the open architecture allows the turret to be licensed for local production by various public and private enterprises, enabling integration into complete missile systems. NoviTechNet is seeking an additional ₴1.3 million in funding to complete a pre-production prototype, which could be ready within four months.
Earlier, in January 2025, Ukrainian company Dron ZP unveiled a stationary anti-drone turret equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun and neural network-assisted targeting.
Tested with the National Guard’s 15th Brigade, the system demonstrated high accuracy and night-operation capability. The company also develops ground drones for logistics and evacuation tasks on the front line.
