Russia Enhances Shahed Drone Capabilities with MANPADS, Increasing Threat to Ukrainian Aviation
Recent developments indicate that Russia has significantly upgraded its Shahed-type drones by equipping them with MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems), specifically the 9K333 Verba and Igla-S missiles. This modification allows the drones to engage aerial targets, raising concerns for Ukrainian aviation. Reports confirm that the first instances of these drones carrying such weaponry have been detected, marking a major shift in drone warfare tactics. The integration of infrared searchlights and navigation enhancements suggests that these drones are being optimized to evade detection and effectively counter Ukrainian defenses. As a result, the military capabilities of Russian drones pose a new, enhanced threat, prompting concerns about the safety of Ukrainian air operations, especially during night raids.
Institute for the Study of War, The War Zone, Українська правда, Kyiv Post, Мілітарний, Ukrinform, Hindustan Times, ТСН, UNITED24 Media, dev.ua