Russia using Shahed drones to scatter new type of munitions over Ukraine. Serhiy Zgurets' column

Russia uses Shahed UAVs in a new way

On the night of April 10, Russia attacked Ukraine. It used 145 drones. In particular, Shahed and UAVs imitating various targets. The Ukrainian air defense shot down 49 UAVs, some of which were also lost due to the use of electronic warfare. However, in any case, this attack had certain peculiarities. 

In the morning, information began to appear in Telegram channels that Shahed UAVs had begun to scatter delayed explosive munitions. It was reported that such munitions were found in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy region. This munition looks like a cylinder over 40 cm long with slices that are formed by the debris after the warhead is detonated. In the afternoon, a message appeared from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. They said that it was a new type of explosive used by Russian troops from drones and that such explosive devices had been seized in Kyiv. The State Emergency Service also reported that the risk from these munitions is very high. However, in the morning, we tried to find out from experts who analyze the wreckage of the Shahed UAV whether new warheads from these drones were indeed found. We did not receive an unequivocal confirmation. Indeed, cylinders were found, but it is not yet known whether they are related to the Shahed UAV.

According to the logic of the Shahed UAV, there is no system that can drop such munitions. Even the effectiveness of such ammunition in terms of combat use looks illusory. For example, a site with 16 such cylinders was found, one of them exploded, and the rest are being investigated. It is hard to imagine the feasibility of using these explosive elements in the combat unit of the Shahed UAV, which has more than 6 types in total. We have not yet seen a version that provides for the dropping of ammunition. However, the warhead of the Shahed UAV weighs over 50 kg. In this sense, it looks more effective from the enemy's point of view than the use of elements that are scattered with uncertain effectiveness. Therefore, the issue of catastrophic risk is somewhat exaggerated in the estimates of our structures. Further, additional information needs to be collected in order to draw adequate conclusions about whether Shahed or other Russian drones have actually started using such munitions.

Russian attacks using Shahed UAVs have increased. The number of modifications of these drones is also increasing. In particular, wreckage was found where the warhead was made up of glued plywood. This was done to imitate a real warhead. This Shahed was shot down. It was also equipped with a new type of antenna to better counter Ukrainian electronic warfare. So the enemy is indeed conducting various experiments with its weapons today.

Strengthening Ukraine's air defense: Kyiv is ready to buy Patriot air defense systems from the U.S.

Creating a reliable and effective air defense system remains the most pressing issue for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready to buy American weapons at its own expense. This statement was made in an interview yesterday. He said that first of all, he was talking about the possibility of purchasing Patriot systems from the United States and that this topic was raised at a meeting with President Donald Trump. In total, we are talking about 10 such batteries. Kyiv is ready to spend more than $50 billion for this purpose. It's worth recalling that since 2022, the United States has provided more than $66 billion in aid to Ukraine. Now we are talking about a significant amount, and this order was handed over to the United States in the format of Ukraine's wishes. 

It is very good that such a statement was made on the eve of the Ramstein meeting, where the issue of air defense will be raised. I think this is a probing step by Kyiv, because if the US agrees, the funds will be found with the help of our European partners. The only question is whether the United States will actually take such a step.

Ground robotic systems have become the most effective for logistics tasks

Taras Ostapchuk, a serviceman and developer of Ukrainian drones and ground systems at Ratel, said that the company received quite good contracts from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine this year. He also elaborated that in 2024, ground robotic systems used by the Defense Forces for logistics tasks showed the highest efficiency. These are complexes that perform the tasks of supplying ammunition, food, and water to positions. These tasks are quite simple and can be replaced by robotic ground systems. Accordingly, in 2024, such systems became the most effective for logistics purposes. Also in 2024, UGVs were quite actively used for engineering tasks. In particular, remote mining. Ostapchuk added that as of today, Ukrainian manufacturers are actively working on robotic ground strike systems.

Ukrainian Defense Forces face an acute shortage of radio frequency operators

Taras Ostapchuk said that today Ukrainian manufacturers have the ability to scale up. However, the main problem in the use of ground robotic systems in Ukraine is the lack of operators. The government is working on this problem very actively. In particular, training complexes are being created for LRS operators. At the same time, manufacturers are also involved in training LHD operators. In particular, Taras Ostapchuk said that Ratel has trained more than 500 operators as of 2024. He said that in addition to scaling up training complexes for NRC operators, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have the opportunity to train with the manufacturer and receive a certificate.

Ostapchuk explained how the process of training the Armed Forces of Ukraine to operate the NRC is carried out. In particular, if a military unit has a company of UGVs on its staff, it can send servicemen to receive the specialty of UGV operator. After the servicemen receive the appropriate specialty, the military unit can be equipped with robotic ground systems. In other words, trained UAS operators in the military unit are immediately entitled to receive ground robotic systems.

Continuous modification of ground robotic systems for more effective use on the battlefield

Taras Ostapchuk elaborated that the company does not have a stable product, as they are constantly working to improve the means. This is a systematic development of production facilities and improvement of the NRC's capabilities. In particular, a batch of NRCs may have different modifications within a month. This concerns the development of communications, electronic warfare, chassis, etc. Ostapchuk also said that the state is formulating new requirements for the technical specifications of ground robotic systems. These requirements are becoming more complex every year. 

The range of NRCs is increasing, and the quality of communication with NRCs should be better. He also said that as of today, there are already the first NRCs that have performed tasks on fiber optics. In particular, fiber optics are used in kamikaze NRCs at a distance of 10 km. An important factor in the use of the NRC is the chassis. Taras Ostapchuk said that the company's main goal is to provide the Defense Forces with all types of ground robotic systems. In particular, wheeled and tracked systems. This will allow the operator to choose the vehicle according to weather conditions and soil characteristics.