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“Suicide Seat” Gun-Truck: Russia Deploys Frankenstein Anti-Drone Vehicle With WWII Cannon
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![Photo of Roman Kohanets]( "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
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Russian forces have been observed deploying a heavily modified civilian truck outfitted with a Soviet-era S-60 anti-aircraft gun in an apparent attempt to protect field positions from drone threats. Photos of the system—dubbed a “gun-truck convertible”—appeared on pro-Russian Telegram channels and were analyzed by Defence Express on August 6.
The vehicle, which appears to be a cab-over-engine truck stripped of its roof and rear body, mounts the 57mm S-60 cannon on a platform in the truck bed, making it a mobile anti-aircraft system. However, as noted by Ukrainian defense analysts, the design raises serious concerns about both tactical effectiveness and crew survivability.
“The operator is left completely exposed,” Defence Express writes. “The design lacks any shielding, which means even small-arms fire or shrapnel would prove lethal. It is essentially a suicide seat.”
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The S-60 gun, designed in the late 1940s, was never intended for use on mobile civilian platforms. Typically weighing over 4.5 tons including mount and ammunition, the cannon imposes considerable recoil forces that could destabilize a lightly built truck platform.
Moreover, the vehicle lacks radar or automated targeting assistance, making it ineffective against modern first-person view (FPV) drones unless the operator achieves a visual lock and direct manual targeting—a challenge at high drone speeds and low altitudes.
Russian forces have previously improvised similar anti-drone vehicles, but analysts have noted diminishing returns from such adaptations. “At best, this vehicle serves to boost morale or provide a symbolic sense of protection,” the report concludes.
Earlier, it was reported that Russia established a massive drone production facility in Alabuga, Tatarstan, modeled on Iranian Shahed designs.
The factory produces thousands of drones annually, including the Geran-2, which are used in frequent mass attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Satellite imagery and leaked documents confirm Iran’s deep involvement in training and technology transfer.
