Russia Mounts Verba MANPADS on Shahed Drones, Creating Flying Anti-Air Threat

Russian forces have begun equipping Shahed-type loitering munitions with man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), marking a significant shift in the operational use of these Iranian-designed drones.

According to Ukrainian radio technology expert Serhii Beskrestnov, a modified Shahed drone fitted with a Russian 9K333 Verba MANPADS was recovered and identified by Ukrainian troops from the Darknode unit of the 412th Nemesis Brigade.

The identification was confirmed by visual markings on the transport-launch container recovered from the downed drone.

The container was labeled 9P333, indicating the use of a Verba missile system, a newer model adopted by the Russian military in 2015 as an upgrade to the Soviet-era Igla system. The markings also indicated the system was manufactured in 2025.

Technical analysis revealed that the Verba has extended engagement capabilities compared to its predecessors—up to 6,000 meters in range and a ceiling of 3,500 meters. The missile uses a triple-band infrared homing seeker and has reportedly incorporated Swiss-made electronic components.

According to Beskrestnov, also known by the call sign “Flash,” the Shahed drone was outfitted with a camera and a radio modem. He stated that “the missile launch is carried out by the Shahed pilot, who controls it from the territory of the Russian Federation.”

This configuration allows the drone operator to initiate a surface-to-air missile launch remotely, rather than relying on autonomous targeting.

Beskrestnov issued a warning to Ukrainian military pilots, urging them to adapt their tactics accordingly. “It is necessary to avoid approaching a Shahed on a head-on course and to be more cautious with those standing on the circle,” he wrote in a public statement.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported that Russia had already begun experimenting with arming Geran‑2 (Shahed‑136) drones with air‑to‑air missiles.

According to HUR on December 15, 2025, Russian forces adapted Soviet‑era R‑60 missiles for installation on Geran drones to target Ukrainian aircraft and helicopters involved in intercepting UAVs.

HUR said the missile launch is remotely commanded by an operator using onboard cameras and data links, with the aim of reducing the effectiveness of Ukraine’s aerial counter‑drone operations.

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