Russian Shahed drone found carrying man-portable air-defense system

A recent development in the Russia-Ukraine conflict involves a Russian Shahed-type attack drone found equipped with a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS), marking the first known instance of such a weapon integrated onto a loitering munition. MANPADS are lightweight, shoulder-fired missiles designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. According to Ukrainian military technology expert Serhii Beskrestnov, the modified drone was recovered recently and is operated remotely from Russian territory via a camera and radio modem. This new capability poses a significant threat to Ukrainian aircraft and helicopter crews, prompting calls for tactical adjustments to avoid approaching these drones head-on or underestimating their armament beyond their explosive payloads. The specific type of MANPADS used and details about the integration remain unclear, with no independent verification or Russian military comment available. Shahed drones, originally Iranian-designed and now produced in large numbers by Russia, have been widely used in attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and