Defense Express debunks Russian boasts about ‘unstoppable’ Shahed drones

The outlet responded to recent claims circulating on social media, where Russian propagandists suggested that their improved Shahed drones had reached a level of performance that Ukraine could no longer counter. According to Defense Express, while Russia is expanding production and working to improve its kamikaze drones, the occupiers’ narrative “has nothing to do with reality.”

For example, Russia claims that thanks to a modified engine, its Shaheds — or “Gerans” — can now fly above 3,000 meters at speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour. They allege this renders Ukrainian helicopters and mobile fire teams useless, leaving only F-16 fighter jets as a viable response.

Shaheds are indeed capable of flying at those speeds and altitudes, Defense Express acknowledged, but doing so comes at the cost of reduced range and a smaller warhead. Moreover, for Ukrainian mobile fire teams equipped with man-portable air-defense systems, these adjustments change little.

The outlet also cited comments from aerial reconnaissance officer and 59th Motorized Brigade soldier Oleksandr Karpiuk (Serg Marco), who noted that Ukraine also fields anti-aircraft drones capable of intercepting targets at higher altitudes.

Russian sources have also boasted of refined airframes and the ability of drones to dive from high altitudes at high speeds. But Defense Express noted that such capabilities are common among similar-class drones.

“Yes, this slightly complicates the work of mobile fire teams, but it also negatively affects the accuracy of a drone performing a dive attack,” the outlet wrote.

As for electronic warfare resistance, Russian forces have begun equipping Shaheds with improved antennas featuring more components. However, Defense Express dismissed this as far from a breakthrough, as is the so-called “anti-spoofing algorithm” highlighted by Russian sources.

Moscow also claims to have upgraded the drones’ warheads from 50 to 90 kilograms. But according to analysts, a larger warhead further reduces the drone’s range — making it unlikely the improved payload will be standard across all Shahed variants. As for tactical updates, Defense Express added, there’s always a countermeasure to be found.

On April 7, Ukraine’s HUR reported that Russian Shaheds’ resistance to electronic warfare no longer relies heavily on U.S.-made components. For the first time, a component produced in India was discovered in Russian attack drones.