Missile-armed Shahed Drones mark new phase in Russia’s air war in Ukraine

Russia’s drone campaign in Ukraine appears to be entering a new phase, with reports that modified Shahed UAVs are now equipped with Soviet-era R-60 air-to-air missiles. According to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (DIU), the drones have been adapted to carry the missile on a launcher mounted to the fuselage, potentially enabling them to target Ukrainian helicopters and aircraft. The upgraded configuration reportedly includes onboard cameras, a Chinese mesh modem for video transmission, and a jamming-resistant navigation module, allowing operations even under active electronic warfare conditions. If confirmed, the modification signals a tactical shift — transforming loitering munitions from one-way strike platforms into aerial hunter-killers capable of engaging airborne threats.