Russian enhancements to Shahed drones pose new threat to Ukraine
Russia has implemented improvements in Shahed drones, increasing their effectiveness in attacks on Ukraine, reports the Ukrainian agency Unian.
The Russian armed forces have made significant modifications to the Shahed drones, which are now being deployed in assaults on Ukraine. According to Yaroslav Honchar, head of the non-governmental organisation Aerorozvidka, the Russians are using Shaheds that carry thermobaric ammunition. He explained that this enhancement boosts the effectiveness of these unmanned aerial vehicles, particularly in confined spaces.
New technologies in drones
An expert from the Aerorozvidka organisation, Yaroslav Honchar, emphasises that Russia has altered the construction of the drones. Composite materials are now being utilised, and the number of navigation antennas has been increased. This combination results in the Iranian-origin drones having a reduced reflective surface, making Shaheds more challenging to combat using Ukrainian electronic warfare measures.
Honchar notes that Russia has been developing its technologies in the field of electronic warfare for years, which has led to more advanced drones. "It would be strange if no technological changes occurred over three years," the expert stated.
The expert also highlighted the replacement of the fragmentation warhead with a thermobaric missile in the mentioned Shaheds. "If such a strike hits a window of a house and the explosion occurs inside, the destructive force of the thermobaric explosion will exceed that of fragmentation ammunition," observed Honchar, as quoted by Unian.
Challenges for Ukrainian defence
Ukrainian defence forces face the challenge of effectively defending against the new drones. Unian explains that producers of electronic warfare systems indicate that the automation of defence systems is necessary because current mobile air defence groups are insufficient.
Let us recall: Shahed-136 drones are characterised by delta-shaped wings, which are about 3.4 metres long and have a wingspan of about 2.4 metres. They can transport combat loads weighing up to 40 kilograms. By utilising a Limbach L550E engine, these drones reach a maximum speed of approximately 185 kilometres per hour. This configuration makes them effective in various military missions.
