Russian “Shahed-136” received updated satellite navigation system

Russians have started using Shahed-136 kamikaze drones with an updated satellite navigation system. A photo of the details of the modernized drone was published on the Polkovnik GSH telegram channel. Reportedly, as a result of the study of the detected Shahed-136 "Y" series flight control module, a change in the satellite navigation module (GNSS) was detected.

The old SPGM 220 type module, which supports GPS L1, L2 frequency bands, was replaced by a new Beitian BT-982K1 RTK GNSS type module supporting L1, L2 and L5 frequencies.

A new Shahed-136 navigation module. Photo credits: Polkovnik GSH

The new GNSS module also supports Real Time Kinematic (RTK) technology. This allows it to receive information about its location in real time via the Internet, using RTK Network base stations.

The map of RTK network coverage in Ukraine.

Photo credits: RTK Network HUB

With this update, the drone is less vulnerable to spoofing and jamming of the GNSS system by electronic warfare when it is within the coverage area of the RTK network, the network is working, and the drone has a 3G/LTE modem on board. Shahed drones equipped with modems with the Ukrainian mobile Internet began to be found in November 2023. At that time, the Ukrainian military shot down a Russian Shahed-136 strike drone that had been equipped with a Ukrainian mobile modem.

A router and explosives in a plastic container taped to the Shahed-136

The home-made module, based on a router connected to the Ukrainian mobile network, was supposed to help track the location of the modified drones.

In this way, the Russian military is trying to identify weaknesses in Ukrainian air defense.

To do so, they track the places where drones prematurely "stop" and send the next wave of drones on a different route in an attempt to find a safe "corridor."

At the time, the superstructure that provided the new functionality was homemade and was attached to the fuselage with duct tape.