Expert explains why intercepting Russian "Shahed" drones is getting harder

Russia is changing its approach to drone warfare in an effort to offset Ukraine’s air defenses. "Shahed" drones are no longer flying solely on pre-set coordinates but are using more advanced navigation and coordination algorithms, aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi told 24 Kanal.

He said the main innovation became mesh communication. It enables drones to exchange data while in flight. If one drone detects a threat or Ukrainian air defenses, it can pass that information to others, allowing those behind to adjust their routes.

“This enables real-time trajectory correction, helping drones avoid blind spots and air defense traps,” Khrapchynskyi said.

Another dangerous development is the use of infrastructure on the territory of Belarus. The expert says Russia is building its own navigation system by using mobile phone towers and specialised antennas located in Belarus.

This approach makes "Shahed" drones far more resistant to satellite navigation jamming (GNSS). Even when Ukrainian electronic warfare systems block GPS signals, the drones are still able to navigate using alternative communication channels and reinforced antennas.

Khrapchynskyi stresses that such technical changes require Ukraine to adopt new defence approaches. Traditional electronic warfare tools are becoming insufficient, with the priority shifting to early target detection and long-range interception before the drones reach Ukrainian cities.