Russia starts mass production of Typhoon-PVO air defense vehicle to improve protection against drone attacks.

As reported by TASS on July 15, 2025, the Russian air defense vehicle Typhoon-PVO has officially entered serial production after completing state qualification trials. This development was confirmed by Fanil Ziyatdinov, General Director of the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant "Kupol," which operates under the Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Concern.
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The Typhoon-PVO carries nine shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles, including Igla, Igla-S, and the newer Verba systems, allowing it to destroy helicopters, cruise missiles, and UAVs. (Picture source: Russian MoD)

According to Ziyatdinov, the transition to serial production is intended not only to increase the production workload of the enterprise but also to provide enhanced protection and mobility for MANPADS teams on the battlefield. The vehicle had previously been used in trials, exhibited internationally, and featured in military parades. Kupol confirmed that its production meets the requirements outlined by the Ground Forces, which issued the original technical assignment for the program. Kupol financed the research and development independently, and the vehicle is now being integrated into Russia’s armed forces.

The Typhoon-PVO is designed specifically for MANPADS teams and is based on the KamAZ-4386 chassis, a 4x4 armored platform from the Typhoon-VDV family developed by Remdiesel. This chassis was selected to reduce costs and facilitate logistics, as it was under development when the PVO variant began. The vehicle replaces older systems based on KamAZ and Ural trucks or infantry fighting vehicles that were not optimized for air defense operations. The Typhoon-PVO accommodates a five-person crew, including a commander, driver, machine gunner, and two MANPADS operators. The internal configuration includes space for nine man-portable missiles, three radar interrogator sets, nine power units, and a round of ammunition for the machine gun. The vehicle has been shown publicly at events such as the 2019 Clear Sky competition in China, where prototypes completed a 9.5-kilometer obstacle course with 12 obstacles in 43 minutes and 30 seconds, and at the Ashuluk range during Army-2020.

The Verba missile system, carried onboard the Typhoon-PVO, has gradually replaced Igla and Igla-S since 2014. The Verba system uses a 9M336 missile equipped with a three-spectral homing warhead operating in the ultraviolet, short, and medium infrared bands. This provides improved lock-on and target discrimination capabilities, especially against low-signature targets such as helicopters and cruise missiles. The Verba is compatible with the Barnaul-T command system, includes friend-or-foe identification, and can receive external targeting guidance. Its sensors cross-check each other to distinguish between heat traps and actual targets. The sensitivity of its seeker is eight times greater than previous systems, and its lock-on and kill zone are 2.5 times larger than those of the Igla-S. Russian forces intend to standardize the Verba system across MANPADS units, and Typhoon-PVO vehicles will be configured accordingly.

The vehicle’s design includes a rotating turret equipped with a 12.7 mm Kord heavy machine gun, capable of engaging targets while the vehicle is in motion at speeds of up to 20 km/h. The Kord mount was developed with sights specifically configured for use against aerial targets, addressing the increasing use of small drones that are considered too expensive to counter with guided missiles. Two roof hatches allow the machine gunner and MANPADS operator to conduct operations without exiting the armored compartment. The vehicle’s armor is rated to STANAG 4569 Level 4, capable of withstanding 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds, and provides mine protection equivalent to 8 kg of TNT under Level 3b standards. The hull includes video cameras for 360-degree observation, and a sealed interior with overpressure ensures NBC protection. The filtration is managed by the FVU-100 system, and emergency evacuation hatches are installed in the roof.

Typhoon-PVO is powered by a KamAZ-650 diesel engine producing 350 horsepower, allowing for a top speed of 100 km/h and an operational range exceeding 1,200 kilometers. The vehicle features an independent hydropneumatic suspension system, enabling fording depths of up to 1.75 meters and gradients of up to 30 degrees. The platform measures approximately 6.9 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and 2.7 meters in height, with a combat weight of around 14 tons. While the original Typhoon-VDV variant was developed for airborne units and designed to be air-droppable, the Typhoon-PVO variant sacrifices this capability for greater protection and mission-specific configuration. A spring-based suspension variant of the KamAZ-4386 also exists, intended for cost-sensitive users such as Russia’s Interior Ministry and ground forces, where airdropping is not required.

The vehicle is integrated into Russia’s layered air defense network and can operate alongside systems such as the Tor-M2. The Typhoon-PVO can receive targeting data from higher-echelon radar sources, allowing it to engage targets using MANPADS while receiving external guidance. Depending on configuration, it may also serve as a command vehicle in coordination with Tor-M2 batteries. The vehicle has been included in Victory Day parades since 2021, indicating its adoption by the armed forces. Trials conducted in 2021 confirmed that the project met its technical specifications, with remaining issues considered minor and requiring limited time to address. Russian defense sources stated that the vehicle would be used both for frontline operations and for the protection of infrastructure such as oil refineries, gas plants, railway stations, and bridges. Statements by Major General Vladimir Popov described the vehicle as fitting between standard air defense platforms and the Pantsir system, offering localized protection in operationally dispersed settings.

Interest in the Typhoon-PVO has been reported among foreign militaries, particularly in Africa. According to Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, Deputy General Director of Almaz-Antey, several African countries are evaluating the vehicle for use in conflicts characterized by limited air threats. The increased use of commercial and improvised drones by non-state actors has led to demand for affordable short-range air defense systems with counter-UAV capabilities. Many African countries continue to rely on legacy Soviet-era systems that lack modern networking and sensor integration. The Typhoon-PVO’s modularity, relatively low production and operational costs, and ability to operate in both centralized and independent roles make it an option for countries facing evolving aerial threats in asymmetric and urban combat environments. Discussions are also ongoing with potential clients in the Commonwealth of Independent States and Asia-Pacific regions.