Russia retools Shahed drones to threaten Ukrainian interceptors - video
Shahed attack drone equipped with an R-60 missile, downed by Ukrainian air defense, photo published on Dec. 1. The missile was mounted facing forward then. (Photo: Serhii Flash/Telegram)
Russian forces are testing a new modification of Shahed drones equipped with a rear-facing air-to-air missile, a move likely aimed at countering Ukraine’s air defense, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote on Feb. 8.
ISW analysts cited reports from Ukrainian and Russian sources in their report, including Militarnyi defense outlet, stating that Ukrainian border guards from the 105th Border Guard Detachment shot down a Shahed drone carrying an R-60 air-to-air missile. Footage from a Ukrainian interceptor drone showed that, unlike earlier versions, the missile was mounted facing backward.
Russian forces earlier installed R-60 missiles on Shahed drones facing forward, likely to target Ukrainian helicopters and tactical aircraft involved in intercepting the drones. The rear-facing configuration suggests a shift in purpose, ISW wrote.
Rather than actively hunting aircraft, the modified Shahed may now be intended to defend itself if pursued by Ukrainian aircraft. A rear-facing missile could threaten intercepting helicopters, light aircraft, or other aerial platforms while allowing the drone to continue toward its original target.
ISW assessed that this modification is part of Russia’s broader effort to adapt Shahed drones to survive longer in increasingly contested airspace and to complicate Ukraine’s layered air defense system.
Militarnyi analysts similarly suggested the change is designed to counter Ukrainian helicopters and light aircraft that have been effective in intercepting Shahed drones.
The development comes amid broader Russian attempts to integrate additional technologies into drones to offset Ukrainian countermeasures. Ukraine has recently stepped up efforts to block Russian use of satellite communications, including Starlink terminals, which Moscow has reportedly used to control drones.
"Despite these adaptations, Russian forces continue to face serious operational difficulties as Ukraine tightens controls on key technologies and improves interception tactics," Ukrainian officials said.
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