- Category
- Latest news
Russia is Testing “Mini Shahed” Drone Built for Swarm Strikes, Ukraine Warns
- Authors
![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukrainian military intelligence has examined a new drone used by Russian forces that resembles a smaller version of the Iranian-designed “Shahed”, but with key differences in design, function, and threat potential.
According to Defense Express on July 22, this drone may signal a shift toward more advanced networking and control technologies for future Russian UAV operations.
The drone, temporarily designated as “ЦБТС.611000”, is structurally similar to the Shahed due to its flying-wing layout with winglets, yet it is significantly smaller and serves a different tactical purpose.
Ukrainian analysts caution against labeling all drones of this type as “Shahed,” noting that such generalizations can obscure important distinctions in drone capabilities and intent.
Technical analysis conducted by Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) reveals that the drone relies heavily on commercial components sourced from China.
Key systems, including electronics, propulsion units, and control elements, were identified as products of CUAV Technology—a Chinese company known for manufacturing civilian UAV components.
HUR reports that the drone can carry a payload of up to 15 kg and is equipped with an onboard camera, allowing it to function as a loitering munition capable of engaging moving targets—similar to Russia’s Lancet drones.
However, its most notable feature is its use of the RFD900x modem combined with a Pixhawk flight controller. This setup supports encrypted AES communications over distances up to 40 km (and up to 80 km under ideal conditions), enabling robust data transfer and drone control.
Military drone specialist Sergii “Flash” Beskrestnov emphasized that this configuration not only facilitates long-range control but also allows for swarm-like coordination, with multiple drones communicating over shared frequencies.
He suggested that the appearance of these technologies in both ЦБТС.611000 and the Russian “Gerber” drone indicates preparations to equip Shahed drones with similar radio-control capabilities.
Earlier, Gerber drones were observed using XK-F358 mesh modems from Xingkay Tech. These devices create resilient mesh networks, allowing drones to exchange data and relay signals even if individual units are disabled or jammed. Such architecture makes UAV groups more resistant to electronic warfare and more adaptable in combat scenarios.
“These systems could enable Shahed drones to communicate with each other, act as signal repeaters, and be guided via radio links,” Beskrestnov explained.
“This would allow real-time targeting of moving objects, observation of air defense activity, and strikes in areas where Ukrainian EW has suppressed GPS.”
Earlier, Ukraine shot down a Russian Shahed-136 drone marked “Ы30000,” confirming the 30,000th unit produced—likely at the Alabuga facility in Tatarstan. The debris indicated a sharp rise in production during 2025, with over 18,000 units made in just seven months. Despite the surge, analysts warn that component shortages—such as navigation systems or warheads—may soon constrain output.
