Russia switches tactics of strikes with Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones

Defense Express analyzed the change in Russia’s tactics.

Evidence of this shift was observed when Russia redirected its Shahed-136 UAVs to different targets in an attack conducted on the night of January 30. According to a report from the Ukrainian Air Force Command, Russian forces deployed a total of 35 “kamikaze” drones, of which only 15 were successfully intercepted.

The report highlights that "the enemy deployed some of the attack UAVs to frontline areas, in an attempt to target the infrastructure of the fuel and energy sector, as well as civilian and military facilities near the frontline and the state border with Russia."

The assault on frontline and border areas indicates a response to the effectiveness of the mobile groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, compelling Russia to avoid deploying a significant portion of Shahed drones to rear areas.

Furthermore, the targeting of fuel and energy sector infrastructure may be linked to the installation of a new warhead on these UAVs. As reported by Defense Express, the third Russian Shahed-136 warhead, labeled "BST-52," possesses dual effects: cumulative and incendiary.

In contrast to the previous "BSF" and "MSNI" warheads (names given for reference based on markings), the "BST-52" includes a cumulative funnel and thermal elements, specifically designed to destroy fuel and lubricant storage facilities.

“It is crucial to acknowledge that Shahed drones equipped with BST-52 warheads pose a substantial threat even when striking regular residential buildings. An incident reported by the National Police in the Kyiv region attests to this, where a fire broke out in a building due to a Russian attack,” Defense Express concluded.