A person-portable air defence system (MANPADS) has been discovered for the primary time on a Russian Shahed-type assault drone. Russian forces have seemingly put in it to counter Ukrainian plane.

Supply: Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian navy radio expertise knowledgeable

Particulars: Flash reported that the assault UAV on which Russian troops put in the MANPADS was discovered at present 4 January.

Quote: "The Shahed is supplied with a digital camera and a radio modem. The missile is launched by the Shahed operator who controls it from the territory of the Russian Federation. I ask military aviation pilots to pay attention to the emergence of this new menace. You must keep away from approaching the Shahed on a head-on course and be extra cautious with those that are flying in a circle."

For reference: Man-portable air defence programs (MANPADS) are designed to destroy low-flying aerial targets reminiscent of helicopters, plane, drones and cruise missiles. This weapon might be outfitted with several types of munitions, together with these with infrared homing heads, laser steerage or handbook management.

Background:

• Russian troops proceed to enhance assault UAVs and set up extra modules to counter Ukrainian interceptor drones and plane. On 2 January, Beskrestnov reported that an infrared highlight had been discovered on a Shahed loitering munition. The Russians are seemingly utilizing this gadget to counter Ukrainian interceptor drones.
• Ukrainska Pravda reported earlier that Russia is putting in radio modems on Shahed and Gerbera loitering munitions, forming a community between UAVs which can be able to being managed in actual time from Russia.
• In November, rear-view cameras had been extra often noticed on Russian drones as a countermeasure in opposition to Ukrainian anti-aircraft UAVs. Related cameras had been additionally discovered on Russian Orlan reconnaissance drones.

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