Infrared spotlight detected on Russian Shahed drone, likely to evade Ukrainian interceptors
An infrared spotlight has been spotted on a Russian Shahed-type attack drone. The Russians are likely using this device to counter Ukrainian interceptor drones.
Source: Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian military radio technology expert
Quote: "I'm seeing this on a Shahed [-type drone] for the first time. It's an IR (infrared) spotlight to dazzle anti-aircraft drones and aircraft. The enemy continues to work on countermeasures."
Details: Beskrestnov suggested another possible purpose in comments below a Facebook post he made: the Russians may be using it as a "beacon" drone to guide other UAVs fitted with cameras.
An infrared (IR) spotlight is a separate device that emits infrared light. Invisible to the human eye, it enables clear black-and-white images in complete darkness.
Russia continues to upgrade its loitering munitions and add extra modules to counter Ukrainian interceptor drones and aircraft.
Background:
- Ukrainska Pravda reported earlier that Russia is installing radio modems on Shahed and Gerbera loitering munitions, forming a network between UAVs that are capable of being controlled in real time from Russia.
- In November, rear-view cameras were more frequently spotted on Russian drones as a countermeasure against Ukrainian anti-aircraft UAVs. Similar cameras were also found on Russian Orlan reconnaissance drones.
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