Remotely piloted Shahed UAVs threaten Ukrainian warplanes, Kyiv warns

Myronenko said Russia is constantly developing new modifications of the Iranian-designed UAVs and other unmanned capabilities. As an example, he said Moscow recently deployed Shaheds controlled in real time by broadcasting to antennae located in occupied Ukrainian territory, Russia, or Belarus.

“Countering these drones is more difficult because they are piloted directly,” the official said.

“That allows the operator to respond to the situation on the ground and even attempt to attack our planes or helicopters in flight.”

The report added the tactic could be aimed at complicating the air defense of major cities closer to Russia or Belarus, potentially even affecting Kyiv. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of a Shahed downing a Ukrainian aircraft. However, throughout the war, Ukrainian forces have lost planes during UAV intercept operations, due to debris clouds from destroyed drones colliding with pursuing fighter jets.

Earlier this year, the Kremlin unveiled a program to develop the country’s drone industry through 2030, with planned investments of $8.2 billion to $12.4 billion.