Recent reports from Russian military media suggest that Russia has developed an upgraded version of the Shahed-136 drone, now equipped with an electro-optical homing head and potentially enhanced with satellite communication for long-range capabilities.
However, a closer examination by Defense Express reveals that this is not a new development but rather a misinterpretation based on a still image from September 19 broadcast on Russia’s Channel One.
The broadcast in question showcased russian President Vladimir Putin visiting the Special Technology Center in St. Petersburg, a facility not directly involved in the development of the Shahed drones but primarily focused on the Orlan-10 UAVs and electronic warfare systems.
The model displayed was part of a broader exhibition and was not highlighted as a new development. In fact, information about this variant, designated MS 236, which features a homing head but no satellite communication, had already surfaced in February after hackers from the Prana Network exposed classified Iranian documents.
While there is currently no confirmed use of this specific Shahed-136 variant by the russian military, and it has not garnered significant attention compared to other UAV systems like the Zala Lancet, the idea of a loitering munition with a 2,000 km range and satellite communication is a notable concern.
However, the lack of a stable supply chain for satellite terminals, such as Starlink, which is not available in Russia, limits the immediate feasibility of mass production for such drones.
Source: Defense Express