On November 30, 2025, Russia unveiled an upgraded version of the Shahed-136 kamikaze drone, now armed with Soviet-era R-60 heat-seeking air-to-air missiles, posing a new threat to Ukrainian aviation. This modification enhances the drone’s capabilities, allowing it to actively engage fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, complicating Ukraine’s air defense strategies. The operational use of these drones may involve advanced control systems developed since early 2024, which leverage real-time operator control via cellular networks. This development reflects Russia’s strategic focus on evolving drone warfare tactics, emphasizing low-cost, mass-produced systems to maintain pressure on Ukraine and innovate in aerial combat dynamics.