With the beginning of a full-scale invasion, Ukraine faced a new and insidious threat — Iranian kamikaze drones “Shahed-131/136” (or “Gerani-2”, as the Russian Federation labels them). These ramming munitions, cheap to manufacture and capable of covering considerable distances, became a tool of terror against civilian infrastructure and cities.
However, Ukraine quickly adapted by developing an effective countermeasure system that combines different approaches.
An integrated approach to the destruction of the “Shaheds”
Means of radio electronic warfare (REB).
REB systems play a key role in the fight against the Shaheds. They allow to silence the GPS signals that drones use to navigate, as well as disrupt their communication and control channels. This can cause the drone to veer off course, lose contact with the operator, or even make an emergency landing.
Mobile Fire Groups
This is one of the most effective links in the air defense system against the “Shaheeds”. This group includes pickups or other vehicles equipped with large-caliber machine guns (such as DSHK, Browning M2), anti-aircraft installations (ZU-23-2), as well as thermal imagers for night work and spotlights. These groups respond quickly to airborne alarms and intercept drones at low altitudes, where they are most vulnerable. Their mobility allows them to move quickly and create “traps” for drones.
Anti-aircraft missile systems (ZRK).
Modern and Soviet air defense systems of various ranges (e.g. NASAMS, IRIS-T, Patriot, S-300, “Buk”) are the main line of defense against ballistic and cruise missiles, but are also successfully used to destroy “Shaheds” at greater altitudes and ranges.
Fighter Aviation.
Ukrainian pilots on MiG-29s and F-16s are also involved in intercepting Shaheds, especially over sparsely populated areas or on the approach to cities.
But unfortunately, we have critically little aviation to close the entire sky, as well as missile systems. That is why now the small tech sector companies are looking for and dissecting solutions that could contribute to the downing of Russian drones.
Dronarium: Training and Innovation in Anti-Drone Warfare
The fight against the “Shahedeen” is a constant process of adaptation and improvement. Our expertise in working with drones helps in understanding the weaknesses of the Shaheds and developing tactics to intercept them. This includes analyzing flight trajectories, operating frequencies, REB vulnerabilities, and optimizing the use of available means of destruction. Therefore, we are now developing the course “Shahid Hunters”, where we will share our knowledge and teach effective methods of anti-drone combat and UAV work.
So stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get into the Shahed Hunter course.
