Russia redefines war with Shahed-136 2.0 UAV

Moscow's drone industry challenges global market with Shahed-136 UAV, powered by AI with low-cost modular design.

A Russian Shahed-136 drone designed by Iran has come into the spotlight after it was intercepted and captured by Ukrainian Air Defense Forces in the Sumy region in mid-June, revealing a new chapter in the ongoing conflict.

It is a sophisticated evolution of the kamikaze drone, equipped with advanced guidance systems and cellular connectivity, signaling Russia's shift from reliance on foreign imports to a robust domestic drone industry.

Ukrainian intelligence reports, released on June 27, said the drones incorporate Russian-made components and connect to Ukraine's mobile network to transmit real-time data, a development that underscores Moscow's growing industrial might.

This shift marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, as low-cost drones challenge high-tech defenses and reshape the Russian economy. More than that, it raises questions about the global arms race and the future of affordable, scalable military technology.

The Shahed-136, originally an Iranian-made munition, has become the basis of Russia’s air campaign in Ukraine. First deployed in September 2022, the propeller-driven, explosive-laden drones are designed to crash into targets with devastating effect.

Additionally, the cost of this weapon is relatively low, estimated at around $20,000 per unit in 2023, although recent upgrades may have increased this number, but they are still a cost-effective tool for overwhelming and challenging air defenses.

Over the years, the Shahed-136 has evolved far beyond Iran's original design, emerging as a modular platform similar to commercial drones such as China's DJI Mavic series or Türkiye's Bayraktar TB2. Its latest "MS" variant, shot down over Ukraine's Sumy Province in June 2025, shows significant upgrades.

The new version of the Shahed-136, the “MS” version, represents a major step forward. The UAV is equipped with an infrared camera, a modern jam-resistant guidance system (CRPA), AI target recognition, and a more powerful warhead. Some versions can carry up to 90 kg of explosives, enough to destroy military infrastructure or hardened targets.

The highlight was the Shahed-136 drone transmitting data over Ukraine’s mobile network, a tactic that allowed Russian forces to gather real-time intelligence on Ukraine’s air defenses. This reflects Russia’s ambition to dominate the skies, using cheap drones.

Ukrainian intelligence has detailed quite a bit about the UAV, saying it is equipped with a controlled radiation antenna system, an improvement over Iran’s earlier Nasir navigation system. This setup is capable of receiving GPS signals, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to counter electronic warfare, which often spoofs satellite signals to misdirect drones.

Furthermore, the warheads of this UAV are also more diverse. While the first models carried a high explosive payload of 50 kg, newer versions include options for incendiary and thermobaric warheads, with some warheads weighing up to 90 kg. These improvements allow the Shahed-136 to target a wide range of targets, from infrastructure to fortified positions.

Russia’s advances in the Shahed-136 program raise an important question: Is Moscow innovating or simply adapting Iranian technology? The move to domestic production, along with upgrades like the AI module and CRPA antenna, shows the country’s growing research and development capabilities.

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