The United States has expressed serious concerns over the capabilities of Iran’s Shahed attack drones, highlighting their growing use in modern conflicts and their potential to disrupt regional security.
About Shahed Drones
Shahed (meaning “witness” in Farsi) drones are low-cost, one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) developed by Iran.
They are often called “kamikaze” or suicide drones because they are designed to explode upon impact, functioning like guided missiles.
The most widely used variants are Shahed-131 and Shahed-136.
Russia refers to them as Geran-1 (Shahed-131) and Geran-2 (Shahed-136).
Cost-effective: Each drone costs between $20,000 and $50,000, much cheaper than traditional ballistic or cruise missiles.
They can be deployed in large swarms, making it difficult for air defenses to intercept them.
Highlight: Shahed drones are known as “the poor man’s cruise missile” due to their low cost and high operational impact.
Key Features
Range and Size
Shahed-131: 700–900 km
Shahed-136: 2,000–2,500 km
Length: 2.5–3 meters
Weight: Around 200 kg at launch (mostly fuel and payload)
Launch Mechanism
Launched using a disposable rocket booster mounted underneath.
After launch, the booster is jettisoned, and a piston-driven engine provides propulsion.
Can be launched from static rail mounts or vehicles.
Navigation
Uses a combination of civilian GPS/GLONASS and an inertial navigation system (INS).
Pre-programmed coordinates guide the drone to its target.
Payload
Can carry high-explosive fragmentation, thermobaric, or shrapnel warheads.
Designed to maximize damage to personnel, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Strategic Importance
Shahed drones provide affordable yet effective strike capability, making them a strategic tool for asymmetric warfare.
They overwhelm air defenses when deployed in swarms.
They are increasingly used in regional conflicts, raising international concerns about proliferation and security.
Highlight: Their low cost, self-sacrificial design, and ease of deployment make Shahed drones a game-changer in modern military strategy.
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In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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