Russia's long-range strike forces have begun using two new types of warheads with the Shahed-136 single-strike drones. One of these innovations is Russian-made, and the other is courtesy of ally Iran. Both have an increased weight of 90 kg, compared to the standard 50 kg., Defense Express provides details about the innovations, citing its sources.
The new 90-kilogram warhead of Russian production is designated as KOFZBCH, which is an acronym for (Shaped Charge and Fragmentation Warhead with High Explosive and Incendiary Power). The explosive remains unchanged: TGF-35P2, which is TNT mixed with phlegmatized RDH, the same as in the standard 50-kilogram OFZBCH-50 warhead. The incendiary effect is achieved by using a powder mixture of metal hydrides, which gives a high combustion temperature of up to 3500 °C.
From December 2024 Russian forces use a similar combined-action warhead with all anti-tank, incendiary components, designated BST-52, but its weight is about 50 kg.
Next, the new Iranian-made warhead also weighs 90 kg and combines a shaped charge, high-velocity charge and fragmentation action. This means that it does not include incendiary elements. The device belongs to the OLA series of explosives, based on octogen and aluminum with an intermediate charge made of RDH.
Overall, over the past year, the Russian forces have introduced several new types of "Shahed" warheads. In 2024, they began equipping unmanned aerial vehicles with the TBBCh-50 (50 kg) thermobaric and fragmentation warhead. It is known for its distinctive body, covered in pre-prepared fragments in the form of 9mm metal balls.
On the other hand, the appearance of an Iranian warhead signals continued close cooperation between Moscow and Tehran in the production and modernization of the Shahed-136 - although Russia has achieved some independence in the production of these drones, having launched domestic assembly lines in Alabuga, Tatarstan, and at the Kupol plant in Izhevsk.
In addition to improving the explosive load, there are other ways in which the Russians are modernizing the “Shahed“.
For example, their drones rely on domestically developed satellite navigation systems, are resistant to electronic warfare, and are improving tactics. At the same time, Ukraine is not lagging behind in this race and has its own solutions to combat the "Shahed", such as the recently introduced specialized hunter drone, jamming and eavesdropping techniques.
Drone War! Russian Army Arms Shahed-136 with New 90-Kg Warheads, Ukraine Responds with Its Own Solutions
Ukraine is not lagging behind in this race and has its own solutions to combat Shahed, such as the recently introduced specialized hunter drone, jamming and eavesdropping techniques
Май 20, 2025 21:40 336
