New Delhi | Nearly four years into the Russia–Ukraine war, the conflict continues to witness rapid technological evolution, with drones emerging as one of the most decisive weapons on the battlefield. In a significant and alarming development, Russia has now reportedly equipped its Shahed kamikaze drones with man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), marking a new and potentially dangerous phase in the ongoing drone war.
This is the first confirmed instance of a Shahed drone being fitted with a shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile system such as the Igla or its advanced variant, the Verba. Ukrainian radio technology expert Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov identified the modification after examining drone wreckage, confirming that the weapon was not merely experimental but operational.
Traditionally, Shahed-136 drones—originally designed by Iran and used extensively by Russia under the name Geran-2—have been employed as low-cost, one-way attack platforms. These drones are known for their long range, simple design and ability to strike infrastructure targets such as power plants, cities and military facilities by crashing into them. Until now, they posed little threat to aerial targets.
The new configuration changes that equation. By integrating MANPADS, Russia appears to be transforming the Shahed from a “flying bomb” into a rudimentary airborne air-defence platform. This means the drone could potentially engage Ukrainian helicopters and low-flying aircraft, especially those involved in interception missions.
According to available information, the upgraded drone was fitted with a camera and radio modem, allowing it to be remotely controlled rather than operating fully autonomously. Russian operators, reportedly based inside Russian territory, could use live video feeds to identify targets and manually launch the missile at the right moment.
MANPADS such as the 9K38 Igla and 9K333 Verba rely on infrared homing technology, locking on to the heat signatures of aircraft engines. These missiles typically have an effective range of around five to six kilometres and are particularly dangerous for helicopters and aircraft flying at low altitudes. Mounting such systems on drones is technically challenging, making this development noteworthy.
Ukraine has responded swiftly by issuing warnings to its army aviation units. Pilots have been advised that frontal interception of Shahed drones—especially at close range—now carries increased risk. As a result, Ukraine is reassessing its interception tactics, which so far have relied on ground-based air defence, electronic warfare systems, fighter jets and helicopters, particularly during nighttime operations.
However, many military analysts caution against viewing this innovation as a decisive “game-changer.” Shahed drones are relatively slow, with speeds of around 150–200 km/h, and have limited manoeuvrability. Successfully locking a MANPADS missile onto a fast-moving aerial target from such a platform is not easy. Helicopters can still deploy flares, change direction abruptly or use terrain masking to evade infrared-guided missiles.
Cost is another major factor. A standard Shahed drone is estimated to cost around $20,000, while an Igla missile can cost roughly $80,000 or more. Given that Russia often launches over 100 drones in a single wave, equipping them with expensive missiles may not be economically sustainable on a large scale.
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have claimed that one such upgraded Shahed drone was successfully intercepted and shot down. According to Ukrainian sources, the 412th Nemesis Brigade’s Darknode Battalion recovered debris confirming the presence of a MANPADS system and associated equipment.
While the long-term impact of this innovation remains uncertain, it clearly demonstrates Russia’s intent to keep adapting its tactics and challenge Ukrainian air defences in new ways. For Ukraine, it underscores the need for constant tactical evolution in a war where technology is reshaping the rules of combat almost in real time.
