Ukraine's intelligence reveals stuffing of modernized Russian Shahed with camera and AI
Photo: Intelligence disclosed the stuffing of a modernized Shahed with a camera and AI (Getty Images)
Ukraine has made a detailed analysis of the modernized Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone (also known as Geran-2). This is a new version of the MS series, which was shot down in the Sumy region in June 2025, according to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.
For example, the drone was found to have a high-speed Nvidia Jetson Orin minicomputer used for artificial intelligence and video analytics. The installed infrared camera, similar to Russian models, allows the drone to independently recognize targets, navigate the terrain, or act as a scout.
The drone is also equipped with the modern Iranian Nasir navigation system, which has been updated to become an eight-channel system with an advanced antenna capable of receiving GPS signals in different bands. It is known that similar antennas were previously found on Russian versions of Shahed.
In addition, a radio modem for video and telemetry transmission was found in the updated drone, which opens up opportunities for group control or remote correction of tasks during the flight.
According to DIU analysts, such technical solutions indicate bilateral cooperation between Iran and Russia, which is not limited to supply. It is about joint developments that are potentially dangerous not only for Ukraine but also for security in the Middle East.
Detailed specifications and a 3D model of the modernized Shahed-136 can be found on the official portal of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine here.
Photo: Analysis of the modernized Russian-Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone (t.me/DIUkraine)
Russian drone terror
In recent months, Russian Shahed kamikaze drone attacks on Ukrainian cities have become much more intense. Russia regularly launches hundreds of such drones overnight, especially before large-scale missile attacks.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has launched over 28,000 Shaheds at Ukraine. Russia ordered the first deliveries of drones from Iran before the invasion, and began receiving them in large quantities in 2022.
In May, it was reported that Shahed-136 drones are being equipped with new 90 kg warheads, both of domestic production and Iranian origin.
And recently, the use of drones equipped with artificial intelligence, a camera, and radio control modules was recorded. Read more about this in RBC-Ukraine's report.
