Ukraine strikes Moscow Oblast with drones similar to Russian Shaheds
Nation12 March 2025, 01:02 PM
A video showing a Ukrainian drone being shot down by a Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile system has appeared online.
The footage depicts a UAV resembling the Shahed, notably featuring a black color to help avoid detection by Russian mobile fire groups, according to Defense Express.
Experts have pointed out several differences between the Ukrainian drone and Russian Shaheds.
The Ukrainian drone features a front horizontal tail, which is not present on Russian UAVs, suggesting a different aerodynamic design aimed at increasing maneuverability and control.
An interesting detail on the drone is an air keel or antenna-like structure near the engine, which analysts believe could be a hook for launching the drone from a catapult.
While it’s difficult to assess the drone's full capabilities, its large size suggests it could potentially carry a warhead weighing several dozen kilograms and travel over 600 kilometers.
Defense Express notes that this drone "appeared" in the Moscow region shortly after the Ukrainian Defense Forces showcased the new UAS SETH drone.
The drone was recently spotted in a video by the Azov brigade.
Despite its resemblance to the Shahed-136, the Ukrainian drone’s design and usage are more similar to the Russian Lancet.
In contrast, the drone that targeted sites near Moscow shares similarities with the Shahed both in shape and application.
Ukraine’s General Staff later confirmed the attack, reporting damage to the Moscow Oil Refinery and a Druzhba pipeline facility in Oryol Oblast.
The operation was carried out by Ukraine’s SOF, SBU, HUR, and other Defense Forces units.
Russian authorities said two people were killed and 20 were injured in Moscow Oblast as a result of the attack.
However, the General Staff clarified that civilian infrastructure was damaged by Russian air defense systems, not by direct drone strikes.