In a significant evolution of its drone warfare tactics, Russia has begun equipping its copies of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 kamikaze drones—known domestically as Geran—with man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS, according to recent reports from military analysts. These shoulder-fired, heat-seeking missiles are intended to target Ukrainian helicopters and aircraft that attempt to intercept the drones, marking a shift from the drones' traditional role as one-way attack weapons. The adaptation comes amid ongoing modifications to enhance the drones' survivability and operational flexibility in the skies over Ukraine.
The latest imagery, captured in Ukraine's northern Chernihiv region, shows a downed Geran drone intact in the snow, fitted with what appears to be an Igla-S MANPADS launcher mounted on its top. According to Ukrainian accounts, the drone also includes a camera and a radio-frequency modem, allowing remote operation. The missile, identified by some as the 9K388 Igla-S—NATO designation SA-24 Grinch—has a maximum range of about 3.7 miles and features a more sensitive infrared seeker, a heavier warhead, and an improved fuze compared to earlier models. However, markings on the launch tube suggest it could be the newer 9K333 Verba, or SA-29 Gizmo, which boasts an advanced multispectral seeker operating across ultraviolet, near-infrared, and mid-infrared bands for better target discrimination.
This development builds on previous experiments with arming the drones. In December 2025, Ukrainian forces intercepted a Shahed-type drone carrying an R-60 short-range air-to-air missile, as reported by military radio technology expert Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov. "Russia started employing Shahed/Geran-type long-range UAVs equipped with air-to-air missiles for combating Ukrainian aviation assets," Beskrestnov stated in a post on X, formerly Twitter, sharing images of the wreckage. That interception was carried out by the Darknode unit of the Ukrainian Special Forces using a STING anti-Shahed drone developed by Wild Hornets and funded by the Sternenko Fund.
The MANPADS integration appears simpler than the R-60 setup, requiring no special launch rail adapter. The Igla system, weighing around 40 pounds in its tube, is significantly lighter than the nearly 100-pound R-60, making it easier to mount on the drone's frame. Russian operators, based in their territory, can launch the missile remotely using the drone's onboard camera and radio modem, according to a January 4, 2026, post from the X account WarTranslated. "Russian forces are mounting Igla MANPADS on Shahed drones to target Ukrainian helicopters that intercept them," the post explained, including a photo of the setup.
The original Shahed-136, developed in Iran, has been produced in large numbers in Russian factories since the early stages of the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Designated Geran locally—a reference to the Russian word for geranium—these drones have undergone steady upgrades, including jet-powered variants and enhanced navigation. Initially deployed as "fire and forget" weapons on pre-planned autonomous routes, recent iterations incorporate man-in-the-loop control, confirmed by the addition of cameras and cellular modems.
These control enhancements allow operators to guide the drones dynamically, much like first-person-view (FPV) drones, but with greater range and payload capacity. Early adaptations relied on patchy cellular networks for connectivity, but more recent models feature antennas for line-of-sight control near front lines, extending operational reach. As noted in a January 4, 2026, article by analyst Fabian Hinz, "Russia’s datalink-enabled Geran-2s are evolving beyond the traditional one-way attack UAV concept." Hinz highlighted the use of airborne signal relays to create mesh networks, potentially blurring the line between long-range strike drones and loitering munitions.
Further advancements include integration with Starlink terminals, which could enable beyond-line-of-sight operations over vast distances. A December 15, 2025, post from analyst Rob Lee showcased a Russian Molniya drone equipped with such a terminal, raising concerns about its potential impact on Ukrainian defenses if scaled up. For MANPADS-armed Gerans operating closer to the front, line-of-sight links with forward operators or relay stations suffice, though coordinating launches remains complex.
The primary targets for these missile-armed drones are likely Ukraine's Mi-8 and Mi-17 transport helicopters, as well as Mi-24 Hind gunships, which frequently conduct counter-drone missions at low altitudes. Footage from November 12, 2025, shared by OSINTdefender on X, depicted a Ukrainian Air Force Mi-8 door gunner using an M134 Minigun to down a Shahed-136, underscoring the vulnerability of these aircraft. Faster jets like F-16s, MiG-29s, Su-27s, and French-supplied Mirage 2000s, also pressed into Shahed-hunting roles, would pose greater challenges due to their speed and altitude.
Despite the innovations, experts question the overall effectiveness. The Shahed's slow speed and limited agility—exacerbated by the top-mounted missile—make precise targeting difficult, requiring the drone to maneuver into a boresight position for lock-on. "Adding a heat-seeking anti-aircraft missile to the Shahed/Geran in theory provides the drone with a means to engage Ukrainian fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters," according to analysis from The War Zone. "At the very least, giving the drone the ability to hit back at these threats offers a deterrent capability."
Reactive engagements, based on visual cues from the drone's cameras, seem most feasible, though offboard targeting data from other assets could assist. The advanced seekers on Igla-S or Verba missiles reduce the need for perfect alignment compared to the R-60, but operators must still confirm lock-on before firing. No confirmed instances of these drones successfully engaging Ukrainian aircraft have been reported as of early January 2026.
Russia's efforts extend beyond missiles to other defensive measures. Ukrainian specialist Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov reported on January 3, 2026, that Geran-2 drones are now fitted with infrared countermeasures, such as searchlights or heated blocks, to blind interceptors. "The Russians are equipping their strike UAVs with infrared searchlights," Beskrestnov said, according to an OSINTWarfare post, potentially defeating heat-seeking drone interceptors or aircraft missiles.
These adaptations echo historical precedents, such as a 2002 incident where a U.S. MQ-1 Predator drone fired a Stinger missile at an Iraqi MiG-25, deterring the threat. For Ukraine, the armed Shaheds introduce new risks, complicating interception strategies and forcing pilots to maintain greater distances. As Russian production ramps up— with thousands of Gerans launched since 2022—these modifications could prolong the drones' penetration of Ukrainian airspace.
The broader implications highlight the escalating drone arms race in the conflict. Ukraine has responded with its own innovations, like the STING interceptor, but faces resource strains against Russia's mass production. Analysts suggest that while the MANPADS addition may not revolutionize engagements, it adds psychological and tactical pressure, potentially keeping helicopter crews and jet pilots at bay during swarm attacks.
Looking ahead, the integration of advanced datalinks and countermeasures signals Russia's intent to make its drones more resilient and versatile. Ukrainian officials have not publicly commented on the specific MANPADS sightings, but ongoing interceptions indicate continued vigilance. As the war enters its fourth year, such technological tweaks underscore the adaptive nature of modern aerial warfare, where low-cost drones increasingly challenge high-end defenses.
In the Chernihiv countryside where the latest example was found, local residents have grown accustomed to the distant hum of incoming threats, a stark reminder of the conflict's persistence. With no end in sight, these evolving weapons will likely shape future battles in the skies over Ukraine.