Recent reports have emerged suggesting that Russia may have upgraded its Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, also known as Geran-2, with electro-optical (EO) sensors. These reports surfaced after a video allegedly recorded from one of these drones on a mission in Ukraine was shared on social media, sparking debates among military analysts and enthusiasts. The footage, which showed the drone striking a target, has fueled speculation about possible advancements in the drone’s capabilities, including visual reconnaissance and enhanced accuracy.
The Shahed-136, an Iranian-origin loitering munition, was first supplied to Russia in the early stages of its invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Moscow has been employing these drones to devastating effect, using them primarily for striking civilian infrastructure and military targets. Initially purchased from Iran, the Shahed-136 was later rebranded as Geran-2 by Russia and has since been locally manufactured. Reports of Russian modifications and upgrades to the drone have been circulating for months, and the recent video footage has only strengthened the argument that the Geran-2 is undergoing significant improvements.
The Shahed-136 operates as a one-way attack drone, essentially functioning as a low-cost kamikaze weapon. By deploying large numbers of these drones in “swarms,” Russia has been able to saturate Ukrainian air defenses. Even if the drones are intercepted and destroyed, they still achieve their goal of depleting Ukraine’s expensive surface-to-air missile (SAM) stockpiles, giving Russia a strategic advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness. A Shahed-136 drone is believed to cost around $20,000, while a single SAM can cost hundreds of thousands to a million dollars, making the drones a cheaper alternative for striking Ukrainian targets.
The recently circulated footage shows a first-person view of a target being struck, suggesting that the drone may have been equipped with a camera. Military bloggers and analysts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) speculated that the drone was outfitted with an externally mounted camera, which may have been used for visual reconnaissance and target identification. This aligns with previous sightings of Geran-2 wreckage where similar cameras were found. According to some experts, this upgrade could point to the installation of EO sensors on the drones.
Military analyst Squadron Leader Vijainder K. Thakur, a follower of Russian military developments, commented on the video, stating, “I believe it is from the Electro-Optical (EO) sensor, which has optical as well as thermal imaging.” EO sensors provide real-time imagery and data, enabling operators to accurately identify targets. This would represent a significant leap in the drone’s capabilities, allowing for more precise strikes and greater operational versatility. Although the video and related claims could not be independently corroborated, there is growing evidence to suggest that Russia has been experimenting with EO-equipped Geran-2 variants.
In a further indication of the possible upgrade, a Geran-2 drone equipped with EO sensors was reportedly on display during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Special Technology Center in St. Petersburg earlier this year. Additionally, a leaked document from the Geran factory in Alabuga suggested the development of an EO variant of the drone, referred to as the MS-236. This variant is reported to have enhanced capabilities, including a flight range of 2,000 kilometers, a payload capacity of 50 kilograms, and a cruising speed of 170 kilometers per hour.
The addition of EO sensors to the Geran-2 would represent a significant tactical shift in Russia’s drone warfare strategy. Unlike the baseline Geran-2 drones, which are pre-programmed with target coordinates and then launched on one-way missions, the upgraded variant would likely be controlled by an operator. This would allow for real-time target identification and greater precision, reducing the likelihood of collateral damage and increasing the effectiveness of drone strikes on high-value targets.
Electro-optical sensors are capable of both optical and thermal imaging, enabling the identification of targets in varying visibility conditions. The range and sensitivity of these sensors depend on their altitude and the quality of the installed hardware. UAV-based EO sensors, in particular, have the advantage of mobility and elevation, providing operators with the ability to surveil large areas and track enemy movements in real time. If the reports are accurate, this would allow Russian forces to carry out reconnaissance missions and choose targets with greater precision, possibly coordinating drone swarm attacks more effectively.
In addition to the alleged EO upgrades, Russian forces have reportedly been equipping Geran-2 drones with a jamming-resistant GLONASS antenna, known as the “Kometa-M.” This enhancement improves the drones’ guidance systems, making it more difficult for Ukrainian electronic warfare units to interfere with their flight paths. This would increase the drones’ effectiveness in heavily contested airspaces, where electronic countermeasures have been a crucial aspect of Ukraine’s defense strategy.
Russia’s drone production capacity has also reportedly increased. Current estimates suggest that Moscow is producing around 6,000 Geran-2 drones annually, and there are plans to boost this number tenfold. Despite occasional Ukrainian strikes on Russian drone manufacturing facilities, including those believed to produce Shahed drones, Russia has shown no signs of slowing down its drone operations. In fact, aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities continue with alarming regularity, contributing to the ongoing destruction of civilian infrastructure.
As Russia upgrades its drone fleet, Ukraine has been developing its own countermeasures. One of the most promising developments is the “Sting” drone, which is being developed by the Ukrainian firm Wild Hornets. The Sting is a First-Person View (FPV) drone designed to intercept and destroy loitering munitions like the Shahed-136/Geran-2. Capable of reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour and flying at altitudes of over 10,000 feet, the Sting represents a cost-effective solution to the drone threat.
Unlike surface-launched missiles, which are expensive to produce and deploy, the Sting drone is expected to be far more economical. While the exact cost of the Sting has not been disclosed, it is likely to be significantly lower than the price of a Geran-2, potentially providing Ukraine with a sustainable defense solution. The Sting’s development comes in response to the increasing use of Shahed drones by Russia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently highlighting the growing menace posed by these loitering munitions.
In a speech delivered on October 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the escalating threat of Shahed-136 drones, describing them as one of the “main tools of Russian terror.” Since the start of the year, Russia has reportedly launched over 6,000 of these drones against Ukraine, forcing the country to shoot down drones on a daily basis. Despite the success of Ukrainian forces in intercepting many of the drones, the sheer volume of attacks has placed enormous strain on Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Zelenskyy emphasized that while Ukraine’s forces are doing their best to shoot down or disable the drones through electronic warfare, this is not a permanent solution to the problem. He called on NATO to exert greater pressure on Russia and Iran, urging the international community to take stronger measures to prevent the further proliferation of Shahed drones.
