Shaheds are not controlled during flight via the Telegram messenger and do not send video broadcasts anywhere via Ukrainian mobile networks. This was reported by military radio technology specialist Serhiy "Flash" Beskrestnov.
He thereby refuted information from The Economist, which reported that the Shaheds are no longer affected by Ukrainian electronic warfare, are controlled by artificial intelligence, and use mobile networks for data transmission.
The media also reported that a note was found inside one of the Shaheds, likely left by one of the Russian engineers. According to the publication, it talks about controlling drones using Telegram bots.
However, according to "Flash", this information is not true. According to him, the "Shaheeds" do not have artificial intelligence. The drones continue to fly based on satellite navigation signals and remain sensitive to electronic warfare.
In addition, according to "Flash", no one has ever found a single note from "friends of engineers from the Russian Federation."
"A tracker is installed on the Shahed that sends information about the location of the Shahed" and flight data (speed, altitude). The readings are sent via a telegram bot. Mobile networks and SIM cards are used for sending. SIM cards can be Russian, Ukrainian, and from other countries. We find HUNDREDS, if not thousands, of these modems and SIM cards in the wreckage," the specialist explained.
He emphasized that the Shaheds are not remotely controlled, they do not have such functionality, they "just try to transmit their location."
By the way, the Shahed is now equipped with two new types of combined-type warheads. One of the warheads is produced in Russia, the other in Iran. They have an increased weight - 90 kg instead of the standard 50 kg.