Wednesday22 January 2025
tarasua.com

Ukraine has learned to intercept the new model of Russian "Shaheds," according to Defense Express.

This is the fourth series of Iranian drones that have been modified and enhanced by the Russians.
Украина освоила перехват новой модели российских «шахедов», сообщает Defense Express.

The Ukrainian Air Defense Forces have recently intercepted an attack drone called “Shahed” from a newly identified series marked “Ъ”.

Photographic evidence suggests that Russia has likely introduced its fourth series of Iranian-designed drones, as reported by Defense Express.

According to preliminary information, the “Ъ” series has already reached a production quantity exceeding 200 units, based on the numbering on the drones themselves.

The specific details regarding modifications or enhancements in this series remain unclear for now.

This model complements the well-known series of Shahed drones used by Russian forces. The previous three series included:

  • the “M” series – the initial version used in Russia's early attacks;
  • the “Ы” series – widely used now and featuring several updates. Reports indicate that as of December 2024, the production rate for this series has reached 2,000 units per month, totaling approximately 10,000 drones per year;
  • the “K” series – with significant design changes and an increased number of components produced in Russia.

The intercepted drone marked “Ъ” was shot down during a recent missile and drone attack.

While the exact capabilities and design changes in the new series have yet to be confirmed, current trends indicate Russia's ongoing intentions to modify and enhance these drone systems. Previous updates to the Shahed drones by Russia include:

  • the addition of thermobaric warheads TB BC-50;
  • improvements in satellite navigation;
  • equipping them with Starlink to enhance operational capabilities.

Ukraine has previously successfully utilized advanced electronic warfare systems to intercept and redirect Russian “Shahed” drones, altering their satellite coordinates and sending them back towards Russian and Belarusian territory.

During a record-breaking attack on November 26, Ukrainian forces shot down 76 drones and diverted 95 using spoofing technology.