Russia Turns Shahed Drones Into Propaganda Tools, Using Them to Drop Leaflets Over Ukraine

Russian forces have begun using Shahed-type suicide drones not only as strike weapons but also as carriers of propaganda materials.

This was reported by Telegram channel Landmines and Coffee with Sandwiches on October 15.

According to the channel, one downed drone was found to contain a cluster container typically used to deploy PTM-3 anti-tank mines. However, instead of mines, the compartments were filled with propaganda leaflets. Notably, the ejection charge remained intact, meaning the dispersal mechanism was fully operational.

“The idea seems fairly simple: just like with PTM-3 mines, at a pre-programmed moment while flying over a designated area, an electric impulse is sent to the blasting cap, which activates the ejection charge to disperse the leaflets,” the post explained.

In this case, the drone was shot down before the mechanism could be triggered. The containers were mounted externally under the drone’s wings—replacing the usual anti-tank payload.

The channel notes that the drone’s main warhead remained in place, carrying over 30 kilograms of explosives. This means that despite the addition of propaganda capabilities, the drone continues to pose a significant threat as a weapon.

Earlier, Russia trialed a new automated air defense system, retrofitted from the twin-barreled ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun, as it works to boost local protection against Ukraine's long-range drone strikes.

According to a report by Defense Express, this capability was demonstrated at the Kapustin Yar test range in the Astrakhan region. High-ranking Russian officials, including Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, were present to review this and other experimental weapon projects.

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