Russian Shahed drones receive technological upgrade to improve accuracy
The Russians have installed additional equipment on Shahed-136 drones, including thermal imaging cameras, which significantly improve their ability to deliver targeted strikes with greater accuracy. The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on these technological innovations and their results, citing data from Ukrainian military analysts. This indicates further improvement in Russian tactics for using unmanned aerial vehicles in the war against Ukraine. Thermal imaging systems installed on some Shahed-136 drones provide them with the ability to operate effectively in low visibility conditions and at night, which was previously one of their weaknesses. With the help of such cameras, the drones are able to accurately identify targets, including thermal generators, engines and power supply facilities, which is especially important for hitting strategic Russian military facilities in Ukraine. In addition, the upgraded Shahed-136s reportedly have automated target identification using machine vision systems, as well as homing capabilities even in difficult conditions with limited or unfavorable GPS navigation. This significantly increases the accuracy and effectiveness of strikes, reducing the risk of errors and reducing the time for target designation. The American institute notes that Russian bloggers and military experts have shared videos showing the Shahed hitting a target in the Zaporizhia region. The video was accompanied by comments that the "Shaheeds" were not just upgraded, but also equipped with systems that allow them to navigate the target not only by geocoordinates, but also in real time, broadcasting the strike live. This gives reason to assume that the Russians have stepped up the production and improvement of such drones in order to increase their combat capabilities. Earlier, Ukrainian intelligence officers published data on the electronic components of these drones, the long-term research of which allowed creating a 3D model of the modernized Shahed. In particular, the intelligence department of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine presented a new series of strike UAVs with a high-resolution camera and artificial intelligence, which automatically selects targets in difficult conditions and allows for pinpoint strikes with minimal damage to the environment. Such technological development indicates a systematic increase in Russian military capabilities in the direction of improving unmanned aviation, which poses new challenges for Ukrainian defense in ensuring security and counter-offensive actions. Shahed equipment is now capable of performing more complex tactics, which significantly strengthens their role in modern Russian combat operations against Ukraine.