Ignat explained how the command and control of the Shahids operates from Russian territory
Russian occupiers have upgraded their "Shahed"-type drones, enabling operators to control them in real time for attacks on moving targets.
This was reported by Yuriy Ignat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, during an appearance on a national television broadcast.
According to the Air Force representative, the enemy has begun using the latest technological solutions to increase the accuracy of its strikes.
Whereas previously most drones followed pre-programmed routes, there have now been documented cases of drones being directly guided toward specific targets.
“There have already been numerous instances where both Shahed and Gerbera drones are directly controlled by an operator in real time and directed at a vehicle or a mobile fire group,” Ignat noted.
One of the key innovations is the use of so-called mesh networks, which allow drones to communicate with one another.
Yuriy Ignat explained how this system works: “A mesh network is where drones interact with one another, acting as a kind of relay… and an operator on Russian territory can use this network to control a particular drone in real time.”
This technology transforms a group of drones into a cohesive communication system, where each device amplifies the signal of another.
In addition to mesh technologies, the invaders are attempting to use civilian communications infrastructure to control UAVs. Military personnel have repeatedly found modems with SIM cards from mobile operators inside downed drones.
This indicates Russia’s intent to control the drones via Ukrainian mobile networks, which poses additional challenges for electronic warfare capabilities.
The use of satellite communications, particularly Starlink systems, remains a key issue. Yuriy Ignat emphasized that the enemy is recruiting people to register equipment under the names of front men.
“This is one way—yes, to register certain companies, such as Starlink, under the name of a Ukrainian citizen, so that Russia can later use that location,” he emphasized, noting the SBU’s ongoing efforts in this area.
Russian troops are using Belarus and a number of neighboring countries as a route for their strike drones to fly to Ukraine.
Yuriy Ignat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force, reported that the first Russian “Shahed” strike drone equipped with the Starlink system was detected six months ago.
