Russia's upgraded Shahed drones now harder to suppress - expert warns

“Lately drone-interceptor pilots report seeing Shaheds that now fly without CRPA antennas,” Flash wrote on his Facebook.

He added that he has heard some “fantastic” theories about that modernization.

“But it’s simpler: the Russians removed the CRPA antennas from the wing and moved them inside the Shahed, to the center,” the expert said.

This indicates the factory changed the Shahed airframe specifically to fit CRPA antennas made in China. Flash therefore concluded that the Russians are confident in a long-term partnership with China.

“Those antennas we cannot suppress with our existing EW systems all across the country,” Beskrestnov warned.

In February 2025, Estonia’s foreign intelligence service reported that Russia created 48 research-and-production centers nationwide to develop drones, treating military UAV development as a priority and sourcing Western components via China.

Beijing transfers dual-use components through private firms. According to Estonian intelligence, Western companies’ representatives in China may be involved in schemes supplying sanctioned components.

In July, Defense News reported that Russia is spending hundreds of billions to support and expand UAV production; about 900 companies are involved, most (70%) small and medium enterprises.

Large-scale Shahed production is now rolling out in the special Alabuga zone, employing tens of thousands of workers. The project is implemented by the company Albatros, which previously reportedly made agricultural machinery.