Upgraded Shahed-136 LM with Improved Warhead Revealed in Photos
22 April, 2024 Geran (Shahed) loitering munitions assembly shop in Russia, 2024. Photo credits: SolovievLive Information has emerged on the web regarding updates to the combat characteristics of the Shahed-136 loitering munitions used by the Russians in Ukraine.
In particular, the weight of the warhead has been increased from 50 to 90 kg. Slides containing technical specifications were published on the Telegram channel "russia no context." However, there has been no official confirmation of this information thus far. It is also claimed that fuel consumption has decreased and the radius of the loitering munitions has increased by 140 km.
Modernization of the Shahed-136 LM.
Spring, 2024. Photo credits: Telegram/@russianocontext
Based on the slides of the presentation, it appears that the Shahed-136 strike UAV, known as "Geran-2" in Russia, has been equipped with a fragmentation-high-explosive-incendiary warhead named "BCh-90," weighing 90 kg.
90-kilogram "BCh-90" warhead on a modernized Shahed-136 LM. Spring, 2024.
Photo credits: Telegram/@russianocontext
The "BCh-90" warhead is 40 kg heavier than the warheads currently equipped on most Shahed-136 loitering munitions used by Russian forces to target objects in Ukraine.
Warhead of the Shahed-136 LM. Spring, 2024. Photo credits: Telegram/@russianocontext
Additionally, a thermobaric warhead has been developed for these loitering munitions.
Several drones equipped with both the thermobaric warhead and the "BCh-90" have already been deployed by the invaders. Production has been agreed to meet the demands of Alabuga enterprises, where Shahed loitering munitions are manufactured. This includes 30 test units and 1000 high-explosive-incendiary warheads weighing 90 kg.
Additionally, 3000 thermobaric warheads and 5000 high-explosive-incendiary warheads will be delivered.
Modernization of the Shahed-136 to install a larger warhead. Spring, 2024. Photo credits: Telegram/@russianocontext
In addition, the UAV has detected the use of GSM trackers with Ukrainian mobile network SIM cards.
This allows for real-time tracking of the drone's location, enabling assessment of whether it was targeted or intercepted by air defense systems.
Modernization of the Shahed-136 UAV to install a larger warhead. Spring, 2024. Photo credits: Telegram/@russianocontext
This equipment on the drone can supposedly determine the jamming/spoofing zones of GPS signals, as well as receive data on the change in the flight mission, transmitting information in encrypted form through Telegram.
Additionally, there is consideration for outfitting Shahed-type UAVs with communication equipment similar to those found on Russian reconnaissance drones, along with a ground control station. These attack drones will be used at the tactical level to defeat equipment and fortifications.
The wreckage of the Russian Shahed-136 LM was discovered, March 2024.
Photo credits: Telegram/@war_home
Recall that in March, 2024, the Ukrainian military shot down a Russian Shahed-136, which was equipped with a video camera and communication equipment.