Russia changes attacks on Ukraine: Military analyzes new «Shahed» drone with «eyes» — How it operates
Russia is escalating the war to a new level. A military expert told about the occupiers' new drone.
Russia has produced a new "Shahed" for the war with Ukraine / © TSN
Russian attacks on Ukraine and the ongoing war are reaching a new phase of sophistication. Ukrainian forces recently found a «Shahed» drone equipped with advanced technology, posing an increased threat to Ukraine. Most of its components, as in the past, resemble those of Iranian origin.
In an interview with TSN.ua, military radio technology expert Serhii «Flash,» known as a leading researcher of «Shahed» drones, reported that the first such drone was neutralized over Sumy region’s airspace. This unmanned aerial vehicle was equipped with a camera, a direct radio control system from Russia, and an artificial intelligence module (machine vision).
According to Flash, the development of such a «Shahed» was known for some time, but its first use was only recently confirmed.
«The radio modem allows the „Shahed“ to be controlled from a distance of up to 150 kilometers from Russia’s borders or the frontline, or even farther if airborne repeaters are used in our airspace,» Flash wrote on social media.
In a direct comment to TSN.ua, he added: «The 'Shahed' can be controlled online by an operator. The operator can manually guide the „Shahed“ and see the live feed through the camera.»
This is what part of the new drone looks like
Flash explained that such a «Shahed» can, for example, fly along the border and select targets or attack dynamic targets. «Previously, „Shaheds“ targeted only static objects, but now they can fly over a highway, for instance, searching for equipment to attack. Under operator control, the „Shahed“ can strike with greater precision. It’s comparable to a large-scale FPV drone,» Flash clarified.
He continued: «Regarding machine vision, it’s the ability of a computer to „see“ targets and „lock onto“ them. Machine vision is the simplest form of artificial intelligence. For example, an operator marks a target on the camera feed, and the machine vision system tracks it. When the drone is flying, the operator highlights a target below with a square, and the machine vision recognizes and maintains focus on it to execute the attack. This is the simplest form of a computer recognizing targets.»
According to Flash, the next stage involves neural networks. «This is when machine vision is enhanced with data about specific models to recognize them. For example, this is what a car looks like, this is a tank, and this is a person. To achieve this, the computer is „fed“ hundreds of images,» he said.
Can Ukraine counter these «Shaheds»?
When asked if Ukraine can neutralize these drones, Flash responded: «There aren’t many of them now, but we have no idea how many there will be in the future. The Russians planned to introduce this concept as early as last winter or spring. We received such information through intelligence channels.»
He noted that the Russians understand the «Shahed» has a limited range and intended to use it to attack frontline infrastructure. «Since this „Shahed“ is radio-controlled, we have the opportunity to counter it with electronic warfare (EW) systems. We need a lot of these systems because we don’t know where such „Shaheds“ might appear. But Russia will also counter our efforts,» Flash said.
He added that these «Shaheds» can operate at both high and low altitudes.
Flash also provided an example involving another type of UAV, the «Orlan,» which was used to surveil the situation in Myrhorod while another «Orlan» acted as a repeater in Sumy region. «If the Russians have a solution where one „Shahed“ is airborne and another acts as a repeater, such a UAV could cover 300 or even 400 kilometers. We are currently studying this „Shahed“ to understand the frequencies the Russians are using,» the expert concluded.