Camilla Jessen
Facing a growing threat from Ukrainian FPV drones, Russian troops are turning to bizarre battlefield inventions.
A newly surfaced video shows Russian troops fielding a highly improvised defense vehicle: a Soviet-era UAZ-452 van covered in sharp metal spikes.
The bizarre design, quickly nicknamed the “Hedgehog,” is Russia’s latest attempt to counter the threat of Ukrainian FPV drones.
This was reported by United24 Media.
Spikes as Passive Drone Defense
The video shows the van driving along a rural road, its bodywork bristling with dozens of welded rods protruding in all directions.
The idea is to create a layer of passive armor capable of intercepting drones before they strike the vehicle’s hull directly.
The spikes are intended to trigger the explosive payload of incoming drones on contact—essentially detonating them prematurely before they can do more damage.
Though crude in design, the modification reflects a growing trend of low-tech, improvised drone defenses on the battlefield.
FPV Drones Driving Innovation
Ukrainian first-person-view (FPV) drones have proven to be a dominant force in low-altitude airspace, forcing both sides of the war to adapt.
Older military vehicles like the UAZ-452 are particularly vulnerable and often lack modern defensive systems.
In response, Russian forces are turning to makeshift solutions to protect these outdated platforms.
The “Hedgehog” van is just one example of a broader shift toward battlefield improvisation.
Drone Launch Platforms on Wheels
Earlier in June, Russian troops were also seen converting a VAZ-1111 “Oka” — a compact Soviet-era car originally designed for disabled drivers and veterans — into a mobile drone launch system.
In that case, the vehicle was stripped of its doors and roof in the rear, and a welded frame was added to support a launcher for Molniya-type loitering munitions.
Despite the Oka’s reputation as a lightweight, underpowered vehicle, it is now part of a broader strategy involving mobile drone warfare.