**Russia’s Upgraded Drones Are Now More Deadly**
Ukraine’s military intelligence reported on February 18 that Russia has made significant changes to its Shahed–136 drones. These drones are now heavier and more destructive.
The new version of the Shahed-136 drone carries a 90-kilogram warhead, which is nearly double the weight of the previous version. This makes it more capable of causing damage. However, the drone’s range has decreased from 1,350 kilometers to around 650 kilometers, limiting its ability to reach certain areas.
The upgrades were found on drones that Russia has mass-produced. These drones are often used for attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Russia has launched thousands of these drones since the fall of 2022.
**Changes to Drones**
The upgraded Shahed-136 drone now features a heavier warhead and additional ballast, which is installed in the design. This makes it more deadly in close-range attacks.
A sticker was found on an antenna used in the drones, labeling it as “agricultural equipment parts”. This suggests that Russia is using Chinese-made electronics to replace Western components.
**Impact of Upgrades**
The upgrades to the Shahed-136 drone make it a more significant threat. The military intelligence reports that these drones are often used for strikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
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