Ukrainian specialists studying downed newly modified Russian drones

Russia is constantly trying to improve all types of weapons, including attack drones. 

According to the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yurii Ihnat, Ukrainian experts are studying any devices found on downed Russian drones, Rubryka reports.

"They (the Russians) constantly try to modify any weaponry, improve it, and this includes, of course, attack UAVs. The upgrades there are not too significant; they just make them less noticeable by using less conspicuous materials in the fuselage. Despite that, they are still visible; the drone is not small, has an engine, and is detectable by radar. Regarding the improvements everyone talked about, perhaps repainting their gray models in black reduces their visibility, especially at night. Plus, there have been some other devices on UAVs. The experts are studying the purposes for which these devices were applied," Ihnat explained, adding that the Defense Forces' task is to effectively down UAVs regardless of their modifications.

The spokesperson also announced that Ukraine was monitoring the flight routes of the Il-76 plane from Tehran to Moscow and the sea routes through which Russia may transport cargo from Iran to the ports of Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Makhachkala, and others.

Earlier, Rubryka reported that a new combat drone, Shahed-238, was presented in Iran. The presentation took place at the Ashura University of Aerospace Sciences and Technologies.

Cooperation between Iran and Russia

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has sought assistance from Iran for the supply of Shahed-type kamikaze drones. The Russian forces regularly use these drones for attacks on Ukraine's military and civilian infrastructure. Because of the assistance to the Kremlin, numerous sanctions have been imposed against Tehran.

In June, the Coordinator of the US National Security Council at the White House, John Kirby, stated that Iran was actively involved in building a "Shahed" production plant in Russia.

Earlier, the Center for National Resistance, citing Belarusian underground sources, reported that Russians want to produce Shahed kamikaze drones in Belarus. For this purpose, Iranian engineers visited Belarus on a work trip.

As Rubryka reported, on the night of December 7, 15 out of 18 attack UAVs with which Russian forces attacked Ukraine were destroyed. The main directions of the attack were Khmelnytskyi and Odesa regions.