Russian drones guided live to hit cars and troops – Ukrainian Air Force
Photo: Russian attack drone Shahed (Getty Images)
Russian forces may be able to control Shahed drones in real time. There have already been recorded cases where a drone was deliberately guided by an operator toward cars or mobile fire groups, according to Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Attacks on people
Commenting on the recent strike on the home of Defense Ministry adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, Ihnat said that “nothing can be ruled out, given that this is not the first time even public figures have been affected by Russian attacks.”
“What happened yesterday to Serhii is further proof that the enemy is not only targeting the objects they claim, but also residential buildings — both apartment blocks and private homes — which are becoming targets of terrorist attacks,” Ihnat said.
He explained that most missiles and drones are pre-programmed, with set routes, speed, and flight altitude. However, the enemy is constantly improving its capabilities.
What is a mesh network
In particular, Russian forces may be using so-called mesh networks.
“A mesh network is when drones interact with each other, acting as relays… and an operator located in Russia can, thanks to this network, control a specific drone in real time,” the military official explained.
According to Ihnat, such technologies already allow the enemy to strike moving targets with precision.
“There have been repeated cases where both Shahed and Gerbera drones were directly controlled in real time by an operator and guided toward a car or a mobile fire group,” he noted.
Among the new challenges are also attacks on moving trains.
At the same time, Ukrainian forces are already working on countermeasures, particularly by developing electronic warfare systems and other innovative solutions.
Control via mobile networks
Responding to questions about drone vulnerability to electronic warfare (EW) systems and the possibility of control via mobile networks, Ihnat said the enemy is actively searching for new solutions.
“Such attempts have been made, of course. We need to look deeper. The Security Service and the Air Force have repeatedly warned that the enemy is recruiting people to register Starlink terminals. This is one method — registering certain assets under Ukrainian citizens so Russia can later use them for location and control,” he said.
According to him, the occupiers may also try to use mobile networks to control UAVs through communication channels provided by mobile operators.
“Because modems with SIM cards have been found. The enemy has made such attempts more than once,” Ihnat added.
Russia keeps adapting
At the same time, he emphasized that it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of such methods, but the enemy will continue to evolve and seek new, efficient, and cost-effective ways to attack Ukraine.
Ihnat also noted that Russian drones can differ significantly in their internal components.
“A large number of drones enter our territory. They may look the same externally, but what’s inside can differ. If a drone survives, our specialists can disassemble it and study it,” he explained.
As the Air Force representative summarized, Ukrainian experts continuously analyze these drones to improve countermeasures, as the enemy does not stand still.
