Ukrainian Forces Discover Advanced Drone Technology
Last week, Ukrainian specialists engaged in drone recovery activities identified an unusual drone among the debris following another nighttime attack on Ukrainian cities. The device was equipped with a modern camera, a computing module featuring artificial intelligence, and remote communication capabilities allowing operation from Russian territory, reports 24brussels.
Ukrainian electronics expert Serhiy Beskresny, known as Flash, noted that most Russian attack drones are typically black, while the newly discovered drone was white. It bore no identifiable labels or markings typical of Russian production; instead, all identifiers adhered to conventional Iranian marking standards, according to Beskresny.
Experts consulted by the outlet remarked that these markings alone do not irrefutably prove the drone’s Iranian origins. However, the English-language labels correspond to those commonly used by Iran for its drones. It is likely that this device was sold to Russia for combat testing purposes.
Throughout the ongoing large-scale invasion, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine with Iranian-made drones nearly every day. These drones appear over cities, accompanied by their distinctive motorcycle-like sound, while Ukrainian air defense and snipers attempt to eliminate them. Some carry combat payloads, while others serve merely as distractions.
Russia continuously enhances its drones and the tactics associated with their deployment. Meanwhile, the UK Ministry of Defence reported that Israeli strikes on Iran could negatively impact Tehran’s ability to supply military equipment to Russia, including drones, of which a considerable amount has already been delivered.
Israeli Strikes on Iran
The Israeli army does not comment on specific strikes; however, they have repeatedly conducted extensive assaults on Iranian military facilities. The United States has also targeted nuclear sites. The extent to which these actions have influenced Iran’s drone industry remains uncertain.
According to Beskresny’s analysis, the counter-jamming module in the newly discovered drone contained components from the latest Iranian developments. Other drones deployed by Russia often use parts sourced from China, Russia, and even Western nations.
While Russian drones are based on Iranian models, the majority are now manufactured directly within Russia. Experts indicate that key technologies, including software and engineering solutions, have already been transferred to Moscow, thus any immediate impact from possible disruptions emanating from Iran may not be evident. Nevertheless, if Israeli strikes incapacitate facilities responsible for producing engines or electronic warfare systems for drones, Russia could face a shortage of components.
Secret Russian Manufacturing
Samples of the Shahed drones (which translates to “witness” in Persian) are produced at a secure facility in Yelabuga, Tatarstan. The first batch of Iranian drones was delivered there in 2022 following a contract worth $1.7 billion. Shortly afterward, Russian manufacturers established domestic production and launched a robust series.
The latest advancements identified among the debris in Ukraine signify another stage in development that began with direct drone acquisitions from Iran in the fall of 2022. In early 2023, Iran supplied around 600 drones in disassembled form, which were subsequently assembled in Russia. By 2024, the design was adapted, including the installation of cameras and the implementation of what is termed “Operation False Target”—the creation of drones that serve as decoys to exhaust Ukrainian air defenses.
Modifications also included fitting Shahed with thermobaric warheads that consume oxygen in the vicinity, causing severe damage to internal organs. The power of the warhead was also increased.
Jet Drones and Artificial Intelligence
Drone expert Fabian Hinz from the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London reported that Iran even provided Russia with jet-powered versions of Shahed. Ukrainian forces discovered two such devices in May. However, they have not been widely utilized, likely due to their high cost and complexity. They incorporate an expensive Iranian jet engine similar to that found in cruise missiles. Even if replaced with a cheaper Chinese alternative, the cost remains prohibitive for daily use.
The latest drone discovered in Ukraine also contained highly advanced electronics—artificial intelligence, a camera, and communications equipment. According to Beskresny, this indicates that the drone could have been designed to target critical infrastructure, including electrical substations.
Earlier models of Shahed were unable to adjust their flight paths post-launch and often circled before hitting their targets, making them easy targets. With the use of a radio channel, an operator in Russia can alter the real-time target or control multiple drones simultaneously.
Beskresny noted that the new Shahed modification exhibits high resistance to electronic warfare. The drone is equipped with eight antennas instead of four, complicating efforts to disable it via electronic countermeasures.
This new model also bore markings indicating that the electronic warfare module was manufactured in Iran less than a year ago. Similar components had previously been observed on Iranian rockets that were supplied to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence confirmed to AP that in the last four months, drones with eight or even twelve antennas—produced in China and Russia—have been recorded.
Despite sanctions, Russia and Iran continue to find ways to obtain Western technologies.
The incorporation of artificial intelligence into the drone allows it to navigate even after communication loss. Ukraine successfully applied a similar technology during Operation Spider, where drones penetrated deep into Russia to strike strategic aviation bases.
Changing Tactics
Alongside technical advancements, Russia is altering its attack tactics. Shahed drones are now launched both at high altitudes—beyond the reach of small arms—and at low levels to evade radar detection. The drones are deployed en masse, attacking cities in groups, often in a dive-bombing mode.
Occasionally, drones are used as “brushes” ahead of cruise missiles—or to exhaust air defenses by deploying a wave of decoys, followed by one or two combat drones.
This tactic is yielding results.
According to data collected by AP from publications by the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian drone strikes have significantly increased since Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025. A substantial rise in hit rates has been recorded since March, alongside reports of drones utilizing upgraded electronic warfare systems.
In November 2024, only 6% of drones reached their targets. By June, this figure rose to 16%, with some nights hitting as high as 50%.
The Ukrainian Defence Ministry estimates that this increase is related not only to the technological upgrades of the drones but also to the fact that Russia is deploying them in much larger numbers.
However, experts warn that the continued success of Russian drones will depend on how effectively Israel strikes the Iranian production industry. In the long term, such attacks are likely to complicate Moscow’s ability to procure equipment.
“Moscow will no longer be able to receive as much assistance from Iran as it did previously,” concluded David Albright from the Washington Institute for Science and International Security.
The Kremlin has transformed the nation into a massive military manufacturing entity. One in ten Russians is now employed in the war effort, and the scale of military production has reached World War II levels, with the defense industry determined to persist.
