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Ukraine Confirms Shahed Drones Fitted With MANPADS as SBU Drones Hit Russian Ammo, Oil Sites

Officials warn the new configuration may alter how helicopters engage loitering munitions.

Overview

  • Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat said troops intercepted a Shahed-type loitering munition carrying a man-portable air defense missile, a camera, and a radio modem enabling remote control from Russian territory.
  • Ignat reported other modified Shaheds with expanded warheads up to about 90 kilograms and added communications and electronic countermeasure components, including Starlink, SIM cards, and radio modems.
  • Zaporizhzhia regional chief Ivan Fedorov said Russian forces lowered the recent launch altitude of Shaheds over the city to roughly 250 meters, reflecting shifting tactics.
  • Sources in Ukraine’s Security Service said Alpha special forces used long-range drones to strike Russia’s GRAU Arsenal No. 100 in Kostroma and an oil depot near Usman in Lipetsk, with regional officials citing fires and temporary evacuations.
  • Ukraine’s General Staff recorded 191 combat clashes on Jan. 5, concentrated near Huliaipole and Pokrovsk, while Russia’s Defense Ministry issued contested claims of heavy Ukrainian losses and hundreds of UAV shoot-downs.