Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The missile locks on to its target automatically.
Russian Geran-2 drones, which are the Russian version of the better-known Iranian-designed Shahed drone, have long brought death to the Ukrainian population during the war.
According to an analysis from the Institute for Science and International Security, Russia launched nearly 6,600 Shahed-type UAVs in April 2026 alone, bringing the average number of launches to 219 UAVs (of which 145 were Shahed/Geran).
In order to protect infrastructure, military assets, and the population, Ukraine is working around the clock to shoot down the drones before they reach their targets, and Ukrainian defenses are becoming increasingly skilled at this task.
But now battlefield data suggests that Russia is modifying the drones to counter Ukraine’s air defenses.
Factory-level upgrades
Recent reports indicate that Russia has altered the design of its Iranian-supplied Shahed-136 drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles are widely known as “Geran-2” in Russian service.
According to Ukrainian intelligence and open-source data, the modifications allow the craft to fire short-range air-to-air missiles.
The updated drone features a specific mounting groove built into its upper body. This space holds an APU-60-1MD launch rail, a component normally found on piloted aircraft.
Because of this new hardware, the craft no longer carries its usual explosive payload. The layout of the fuel tank was also adjusted to make room for the weapon system.
Given that the missiles are air-to-air, the modifications seem to suggest a shift in how Russia is planning to use the Geran-2, as it might be deployed to counter Ukrainian air defenses instead of being used to strike ground targets.
Low effectiveness
Even though Russia has launched thousands of Shahed-type UAVs during the war, a very small percentage actually hit their targets.
The Institute for Science and International Security notes that on April 16, 659 Russian UAVs were launched, but only 3.03% of them hit their targets.
On April 7, however, 28.18% of a total of 110 UAVs got through Ukraine’s air defenses.
Sources: Institute for Science and International Security, The Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence
