Inside a downed Shahed-136: How Russia's drones mix cheap parts with deadly upgrades

A detailed teardown of a recovered camera from a downed Shahed-136 drone has revealed a mix of custom and off-the-shelf components. The examination sheds light on the drone’s design, which has evolved since Russia began deploying it in Ukraine. The camera system, mounted on a gimbal, was analysed after the drone was shot down. It includes a thermal camera, allowing night-time operations—when most Shahed-136 swarms are launched toward Ukraine. Inside, the setup features an Artix-7 FPGA-based board and a Hi3519 system-on-chip for processing the camera feed.

The gimbal assembly itself appears to be sourced from AliExpress, with many components originating from Western suppliers. Meanwhile, the drone’s air data computer and missile systems show more custom hardware than standard parts. In contrast, the power supply and relay boards are off-the-shelf development boards, easily found online.

These findings highlight modifications made to the Shahed-136 since its adoption by Russian forces. Some drones now include gimbals for surveillance, suggesting an expanded role beyond simple kamikaze strikes. The teardown confirms a blend of readily available and tailored components in the Shahed-136’s design. The use of thermal cameras and gimbal systems points to adaptations for night operations and reconnaissance. Such details provide clearer insight into the drone’s evolving capabilities in the conflict.