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payloadside: russiafirst seen 2026-05-18

Shahed-136 (Harpia-A1) with airburst warhead reported used in Mali

The post claims Russia deployed a Shahed-136 variant (“Harpia-A1”, new “KK” series) in Mali/Sahel, marking the first confirmed use of this drone type in the region. It also alleges the downed drone had an airburst (air-detonation) function for its warhead, a notable payload/fuzing modification that could increase effectiveness against dispersed targets.

DRONES REFERENCED
Shahed-136
DEMONSTRATED IN
seizure2026-05-18Rebels in Mali reportedly shoot down Russian Shahed-136 strike drone on 18 May
SOURCES
  • TG: Operatyvno ZSU · https://t.me/operativnoZSU/211517
    ❗️ 18 травня, у Малі місцеві повстанці вперше збили російський ударний дрон Shahed-136 ("Гарпія-А1"), який рф використала для підтримки свої