Russia has armed Shaheds with Verba MANPADS: how the Air Forces are responding to the new threat.

According to ТСН: News that the invaders have begun integrating portable air-defense missile systems (MANPADS) on 'Shahed' drones has raised concerns among Ukrainians.

Response of the Defense Forces to the new threat

The Head of the Communications Department of the Air Force Command, Yuriy Ihnat, commented during the broadcast of 'Suspilne' on how the Defense Forces are prepared to respond to this new threat. He noted that it is still too early to discuss the details of the combat drone 'Shahed' with MANPADS.

“But ultimately, a video was released where our defenders intercepted it and showed that there is such a new threat, and this must be counted as well as other threats, when the 'Shaheds' had an increased warhead with shrapnel weighing up to 90 kg,” said the representative of the Air Forces.

Ihnat also drew attention to the fact that even the detonation of a 'Shahed-136' drone in the air can pose a serious danger to Ukrainian aviation flying nearby. The dispersion of elements from the shock wave can lead to the damage of aircraft, including helicopters involved in air defense operations.

“And MANPADS is something new that has really been able to be identified and intercepted. I cannot say now how it will be applied later, how effective it will be, because everything is known in real combat, in aerial combat,” Ihnat acknowledged.

He also explained that MANPADS can hit targets at an altitude of about 4 km and confirmed:

“That the enemy is resorting to such experimental steps — I cannot say now how effective it will be, but all these threats are taken into account by the Defense Forces. Information exists, the mechanism that was made on that 'Shahed' is being studied, how it can work. Further conclusions will be drawn. It is clear that 'Shaheds' have gone through a certain evolution from the first state to today,” Ihnat noted.

Ihnat also added that many modifications and upgrades of 'Shaheds' already exist, including the installation of additional means of protection against electronic warfare.

Let us remind you that the military has confirmed that the invaders have begun installing portable air-defense missile systems on 'Shahed' drones, including the latest MANPADS 'Verba'.

These new technologies pose a threat not only to the safety of Ukrainian airspace but can also significantly change the tactics of combat operations. The Defense Forces of Ukraine must be ready to adapt to this threat and find effective ways to counter the enemy's new methods. Equally important is cooperation with international partners to enhance the effectiveness of air defense.