Russia tests Shahed against Ukrainian aviation: a new threat in the air.

According to ТСН: Russia has begun employing a new strategy on the battlefield, actively integrating explosive kamikaze drones Shahed to attack Ukrainian planes and helicopters in the air. These tactical changes aim to weaken Ukraine's air defense and air forces, which are engaged in the fight to destroy Russian drones.

This was reported by Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defense for Innovations Yuriy Mironenko.

Operator-controlled 'Shaheds'

According to Mironenko, Russia is constantly testing new capabilities for deep attacks. This pertains to both new modifications of Shahed and entirely different models. One of the new tactics is the use of operator-controlled Shahed drones, which maintain communication via antennas located in occupied Ukrainian territories, in Russia, or neighboring Belarus.

'Countering such 'Shaheds' is even more challenging, as they are piloted in real-time, allowing the operator to respond to the current situation and even attempt to hit our planes or helicopters in the air,' Mironenko explained.

The Ukrainian Air Force, including fighters and helicopters, plays a vital role in combating Russian drones. Moscow's new strategy, aimed at destroying Ukrainian aviation using drones, is an attempt to reduce the effectiveness of Ukraine's air defense.

New Shahed-107 on the frontline

Russian 'Shahed' drones are typically used to attack cities and civil infrastructure in remote areas. However, as confirmed by the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Russia has begun actively employing new Iranian Shahed-107 drones to attack positions on the frontline.

The GUR also reported that the Shahed-107 has a wingspan of about 3 meters, cross-shaped tail stabilizers, and a carbon fiber body. One of the detected drones was equipped with a powerful 15-kilogram explosive warhead. Its operational radius is estimated to be 300 km.

Asymmetric responses from Kyiv

Yuriy Mironenko emphasized that Ukrainian defenders can quickly respond to threats posed by new Russian weaponry. However, details of countermeasures are not disclosed for security reasons, so the enemy cannot anticipate how to counter them.

Moreover, Ukraine is actively developing its own asymmetric responses. For example, recently, the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine confirmed the first-ever case of a Ukrainian drone shooting down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter in the air.

Thus, Russia is adapting its military methods, implementing new tactics and technologies, complicating the situation for Ukraine. In response, our military is not only enhancing its air defense practices but also finding new ways for counterattack, demonstrating an innovative approach to conducting military operations.