MANPADS-armed Shaheds still vulnerable to Ukrainian interceptor drones — ISW
Russian war6 January, 10:00 AM
The analysts made this conclusion after studying new materials published by Ukrainian drone warfare expert Serhii Beskrestnov (known by the call sign Flash).
On Jan. 4, Beskrestnov released images and video footage showing a downed Shahed drone fitted with a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS), apparently functioning as a remotely controlled short-range air defense platform.
ISW analysts assessed that the system mounted on the Shahed is most likely a Verba MANPADS, with an antenna installed on the drone’s wing stabilizer to enable remote control. Beskrestnov also noted that this modified Shahed variant is equipped with a camera and a radio modem, allowing an operator to control the drone in flight from Russian territory.
According to ISW, Russia likely intends to use these Shaheds — capable of firing a missile forward while in flight — to target Ukrainian fighter jets and helicopters operating as part of Ukraine’s air defense system during aerial attacks. Verba MANPADS has an effective firing range of roughly 6 kilometers and a maximum engagement altitude of about 4.5 kilometers when launched from the ground, ISW experts noted.
The Institute also recalled that throughout the war Russia has continuously introduced new Shahed modifications to maximize the effectiveness of its long-range strike drones and the damage they can inflict. Previous upgrades — including the introduction of remote online control — enabled Russian forces to target mobile elements of Ukraine’s air defense, namely, anti-Shahed mobile fire groups on the ground and aircraft in the air.
Amid this latest modification, ISW emphasized that since 2022 both Ukraine and Russia have been engaged in a continuous technological race. While Russia keeps intensifying its long-range strike campaign, Ukrainian forces are developing countermeasures, including new air defense solutions.
In particular, Ukraine has developed interceptor drones capable of shooting down Russian UAVs. ISW stressed that the MANPADS mounted on Shahed drones are forward-facing, which leaves even these modified UAVs vulnerable to Ukrainian interceptor drones approaching from behind.
Russia’s persistent efforts to wear down Ukraine’s air defense through constant innovation underscore the need for a flexible, layered, and well-resourced Ukrainian air defense system — including a robust arsenal of interceptor drones, ISW concluded.