Russia has modified Shaheds to destroy aircraft: new threats to Ukraine's air defense.

According to ТСН: Russia is modifying its long-range Shahed drones to target Ukrainian aircraft as part of new initiatives to enhance drone capabilities.

This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

American analysts note that images and videos published by Ukrainian communication specialist Sergey 'Flesh' Beskrestnov show a downed Shahed equipped with a portable air defense system. He reported that Russian forces first used the modified drones on the night of January 4th.

The video demonstrates that the Russians installed the Verba MANPADS on the roof of the UAV, while the remote control antenna was placed on the wing stabilizer. The Shahed has also been modified by adding a camera and a radio modem, allowing the operator to control it during flight. The MANPADS are positioned to fire in front of the drone during its flight.

The ISW believes this indicates the invaders' intentions to use this adaptation to attack Ukrainian fighters and helicopters operating within Ukraine's air defense system.

The Verba MANPADS has a working range of about 6 km and a maximum trajectory height of about 4.5 km during ground attacks.

'The Russian armed forces have been implementing modifications to the Shahed throughout the war to maximize capabilities and potential damage. Previous modifications allowed targeting mobile components of Ukrainian air defense, including mobile ground target groups and aircraft in the air,' the report from the Institute states.

Analysts note that since 2022, Ukrainian and Russian armed forces have been racing to develop new technologies in the field of offense and defense. Russia has intensified its campaign of long-range strikes, while the Armed Forces of Ukraine have responded with new air defense methods.

'Russia's ongoing efforts to undermine Ukrainian air defense through innovation and adaptation highlight the need for a flexible, comprehensive, and well-equipped Ukrainian air defense system, including a fleet of interceptor drones,' ISW emphasizes.

Recently, it became known that Russians have begun mounting MANPADS on Shaheds. Radio technology specialist Sergey Beskrestnov noted that the missile launch is executed by the UAV pilot, who controls it from Russian territory. The expert underscores that the Russians are seeking new ways to destroy Ukrainian aviation.

These new modifications of drones provide Russian forces with new tactical capabilities in combat against Ukrainian aviation. This underscores the ongoing escalation of the conflict and arms race, where both sides strive to implement new technologies to enhance their effectiveness on the battlefield. In the context of a prolonged war, these adaptations can significantly impact the outcomes of offensive and defensive operations.