Russia has been testing a new drone, dubbed “ЦБТС.611000,” which bears similarities to the Iranian-designed “Shahed” but with key differences in design and functionality. The Ukrainian military intelligence has analyzed the drone, finding that it relies on commercial components sourced from China.
The mini Shahed drone is structurally similar to its larger counterpart due to its flying-wing layout, but it’s smaller and serves a different tactical purpose. Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence has identified key systems, including electronics and propulsion units, as products of CUAV Technology—a Chinese company known for manufacturing civilian UAV components.
Notably, the drone can carry a payload of up to 15 kg, features an onboard camera, and is equipped with a RFD900x modem and Pixhawk flight controller. This setup supports encrypted AES communications over distances of up to 40 km, enabling robust data transfer and drone control. The drone’s use of this configuration allows for long-range control and swarm-like coordination, making it more adaptable in combat scenarios.
Military expert Sergii “Flash” Beskrestnov suggests that the appearance of these technologies in both the mini Shahed drone and the Russian “Gerber” drone indicates preparations to equip Shahed drones with similar radio-control capabilities. This could enable Shahed drones to communicate with each other, act as signal repeaters, and be guided via radio links.
The mini Shahed drone’s development comes amid a surge in production of larger Shahed-136 drones, which Ukraine has been shooting down. Despite the increase in output, analysts warn that component shortages may soon constrain Russia’s ability to produce these drones.
Source: https://united24media.com/latest-news/russia-is-testing-mini-shahed-drone-built-for-swarm-strikes-ukraine-warns-10093