Ukraine’s Air Force F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighters now face a new threat after Russia’s Armed Forces equipped their Shahed/Geran-2 drones with short-range air-to-air missiles. The development came to light after an analysis of the remains of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles recently shot down by Ukrainian interceptors.
Thanks to a video published by the Darknode Battalion of the 412th Nemesis Brigade, a unit belonging to Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, the first footage was obtained showing modified Russian Shahed/Geran-2 drones carrying an R-60 air-to-air missile, also known by its NATO codename AA-8 “Aphid.”
These Russian drones were shot down by Sting interceptors, unmanned aerial vehicles developed and produced by the local company Wild Hornets. A subsequent analysis of the wreckage confirmed what was observed through the FPV cameras of the interceptors: Moscow’s forces are using Shahed/Geran drones capable of carrying air-to-air missiles, representing a new threat to Ukraine’s F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighters, as well as to helicopters used to hunt Russian drones.
As seen in the footage of the shootdowns, the Russian drones were modified with a launch rail mounted on the upper section of the airframe, allowing them to carry a short-range, infrared-guided R-60 missile. Introduced into service in the 1970s, the R-60 became known for its agility and its ability to engage targets at very short ranges (200 to 300 meters). With a top speed exceeding Mach 2.0, the missile features a 3-kg explosive warhead—more than enough to destroy a helicopter or a fighter aircraft.
Background on Drones Armed with Air-to-Air Missiles
For now, no further details have emerged regarding the modifications made to the Russian drones beyond the launch rail. An analysis of the debris may determine whether the missiles can actually be fired or whether this is a Russian maneuver intended to alter the tactics of Ukraine’s manned interceptors.
Although this is the first known instance in the conflict of a drone being armed with an air-to-air missile, Ukraine’s Armed Forces had already set a precedent in using drones equipped with such weapons.
In that earlier case, Ukraine’s Magura naval drones were armed with—and successfully engaged targets using—R-73 and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Confirmed kills include at least two Mi-8 helicopters and two Su-30 fighters of the Russian Aerospace Forces, all shot down over the waters of the Black Sea.
The appearance of Russian drones equipped with R-60 missiles opens a new chapter in the evolution of unmanned systems technology in the Ukraine war. For several months, drones have been one of the primary tools used by both sides, performing all types of roles: from aerial and naval attack to reconnaissance, logistical support, relay platforms, interceptors, and more.
Both Russia and Ukraine employ their drones not only on the battlefield but also to strike strategic targets—both land and maritime—with Ukraine maintaining the advantage in the latter domain.
Cover image via Nemesis Brigade.
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