Record drone attack on Ukraine: Russia deploys 75 UAVs, most shot down
During recent nighttime and morning attacks on Ukraine, Russia utilized 75 unmanned drones primarily targeting Kyiv. Ukrainian observers noticed the deployed machines were different from the previously used Shahed 131 and 136 attack drones, as the Russians had painted them black for a specific purpose.
8:09 PM EST, November 25, 2023
The Defense Blog reported that on November 25, Russia attacked Ukraine using 75 Shahed-131 and 136 drones. Ukrainian authorities and media highlighted that Saturday's raids set a record in terms of the number of drones used in an airborne assault. Furthermore, the Ukrainian Air Force announced via Telegram that they managed to shoot down 74 out of the 75 devices, noting that it was not an easy task.
Shahed drones sport new colors
The Defense Blog pointed out that some of the drones were painted black, a stark departure from their usual gray color. Jurij Ignat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, noted that the black color on the drones aimed to interrupt their detection and interception during the night. In addition, there's information suggesting the use of a new material for the drone bodies – likely a type of carbon that would make radar detection more challenging.
While the exact number of Shaheds deployed with the new paintwork is unclear, the first images have already surfaced online.
Shahed-131 and 136 are the weapons Russia has been using since the war's onset. Given their capabilities, they pose a considerable threat to the Ukrainians and their military equipment. These devices, produced by Iran's Shahed Aviation IRGC, are being used by the Russians under the name Geran. Although the manufacturer doesn't provide precise technical data for the drones, their specs have been partially reconstructed based on the units intercepted and shot down by Ukraine.
Shahed-136 drones are classified as loitering munitions that can form a so-called 'swarm.' They are believed to have an operational range of about 621 miles and a maximum range of 1,553 miles. Likely capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 110 lbs and flying at speeds around 112 mph. In contrast, Shahed-131 drones are smaller versions with designs based on a delta-wing layout. These devices are harder to detect due to their smaller size, but they can only carry lighter warheads, thus reducing the power of their strike. It's suggested that these warheads weigh between 22 and 33 lbs, and the drone's range approximately reaches 560 miles.
