Recent developments in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have seen Russian forces begin to equip their Shahed-type drones with mock R-60 missiles. This strategy appears aimed at intimidating the Ukrainian Air Force and diverting the attention of interceptor units.
Military expert Serhiy Bezkrystnov commented on the situation, stating, “The army aviation knows how to respond to such tactics. However, we have numerous interceptor units across various branches of the military and government, all of which will likely attempt to destroy what they perceive as a significant target, regardless of the resources involved. This is precisely what the enemy is counting on.”
Bezkrystnov emphasized the necessity for Ukrainian forces to develop methods for distinguishing between genuine Shahed drones and those outfitted with deceptive missile replicas.
This tactic aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of enhancing drone capabilities, which initially began with domestic designs and later incorporated technologies acquired from Iran.
Photo: Modified drones equipped with missile replicas (Serhiy Bezkrystnov)
Russian forces are adapting their drone strategies by attaching fake missile launchers, aiming to mislead Ukrainian defenses. Experts stress the need for improved identification methods to counteract these tactics.