Enhancements in Drone and Missile Navigation
The adversary is enhancing the guidance systems of their Shahed jet drones, focusing on navigation upgrades to reduce the impact of electronic warfare countermeasures. A portion of these drones currently rely on standard satellite navigation. Recently, the enemy improved the inertial navigation systems on the Shahed drones. According to Sergey Beskrestnov, an independent advisor to the President, new 20-element CRPA antennas are expected to replace the existing 16-element models in the near future.
Upcoming Antenna Production Plans
By 2027, Russia’s VNDIR "Progress" institute aims to produce 24-element antennas. Beskrestnov noted that "a few weeks ago, the enemy upgraded the inertial navigation system on the Shaheds." The enemy’s cruise missiles, such as the "Banderol" and "Dan-T," which they heavily rely on, lack real-time control systems. Instead, they operate solely using satellite and inertial navigation. Ukrainian electronic warfare (EW) tools remain a significant countermeasure against these missile systems.
These navigation system upgrades for drones and missiles demonstrate the enemy’s intent to strengthen the precision and resilience of their attacks. The introduction of new antennas and navigation technologies could compel shifts in air defense tactics.
The ongoing modernization of drone and missile guidance reflects the enemy’s adaptation to the realities of modern warfare, particularly in response to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. This evolution may lead to an increase in both the frequency and severity of attacks, demanding innovative defense strategies from Ukrainian forces. Changes in navigation technology will likely influence future air defense approaches as the enemy seeks to minimize vulnerabilities during combat operations.