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Russia has begun using Shahed-type attack drones as carriers for FPV drones, introducing a new battlefield tactic. Factory mounts for transporting smaller UAVs had previously been spotted on Russian drones such as Gerbera and Molniya.
This was reported by electronic warfare and communications expert Serhii Beskrestnov, callsign “Flash,” who currently serves as an adviser to Ukraine’s defense minister. He said at least one known configuration allows a single Shahed to carry two FPV drones. He urged air defense drone crews and all Ukrainian military units to consider the risk that intercepted Shaheds may be carrying additional drones.
Beskrestnov previously noted that Russian reconnaissance drones often reach Kyiv, and this is not always due to failures in Ukrainian air defenses, but rather the result of unconventional tactics.
He added that one of the key challenges in deploying interceptor drones is the risk of friendly fire, since operators have limited time to identify aerial targets. Ukraine has also announced the creation of a “small air defense” unit led by Colonel Yevhen Khliebnikov, tasked with intercepting small and low-flying threats such as short-range guided aerial missiles and drones including Shahed, Orlan, Zala, and Supercam.
