Russia strikes back: Shahed UAVs with anti-pilot weaponry can make Ukrainian night raids suicidal?

Russia appears to be testing a dangerous new twist in its drone war against Ukraine. A modified Shahed UAV spotted on the battlefield now carries a powerful infrared searchlight designed to blind pilots and drone operators at night. Experts say the invisible IR beam could disrupt helicopters, interceptor drones, and air defenses hunting UAVs after dark. The upgrade signals Moscow’s rapid adaptation as Ukraine improves its aerial defenses. But does this new Shahed variant truly change the balance in night warfare, or are countermeasures already rendering it ineffective?