**Russia Boosts Shahed Drone Production to 170 Units Per Day**
The Russian military has significantly upgraded its Shahed drone capabilities, according to Ukraine’s intelligence services. The drones’ explosive payload has doubled from 50 to 90 kilograms, and new warhead types have been introduced to target specific objectives.
As of May this year, Russia was producing approximately 170 Shaheds per day, with plans to increase production to 190 units daily by the end of the year, according to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR). This marks a significant escalation in drone technology, with the GUR noting that the configurations of the Shahed drones have evolved substantially since 2022.
**New Warhead Types and Upgraded Technology**
The intelligence agency has reported that Russia has modified the drones’ warheads beyond standard high-explosive and fragmentation variants. The new cumulative-fragmentation-high-explosive warheads, as well as cumulative-fragmentation-high-explosive-incendiary versions, are designed to maximize damage on specific targets.
In addition, some Shaheds now feature Starlink terminals, enabling real-time control of the aircraft. This upgrade represents a significant improvement in electronic warfare capabilities, with Russia protecting signal receivers using specialized CRPA antennas capable of ignoring false satellite signals.
**Independent Production and Localized Versions**
Russia began independent production of Shahed drones at a facility located 1,200 kilometers from the front line in the Alabuga special economic zone in Yelabuga city. The plant produces a localized version of the Iranian drone under the designation Geran-2.
The upgrade of Shahed drone capabilities is part of Russia’s broader efforts to modernize its military technology and expand its electronic warfare capabilities. The drones play a crucial role in the Russo-Ukraine war, providing real-time intelligence, conducting precision strikes, disrupting logistics, and supporting frontline troops.
**Commentary**
The significant increase in Shahed drone production and upgraded technology represents a substantial escalation in Russia’s military capabilities. The introduction of new warhead types and improved electronic warfare capabilities will likely have a profound impact on the battlefield and warfare tactics employed by both sides.
As Ukraine continues to leverage mass-produced, low-cost drones to inflict significant damage on Russian forces and infrastructure, Russia’s increased production and upgraded technology may lead to a more intense and complex conflict. The evolving nature of drone technology is reshaping the battlefield, and it remains to be seen how this will impact the outcome of the war.
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