Iranian Shahed Drones: Since the tensions are rampent between Iran and US, the American allies in the Persian Gulf are facing a new threat in the sky. Soldiers say they often hear the buzzing sound of the Iranian Shahed-136 drone during attacks. This small drone is built for one-way missions and explodes when it hits its target.
The Shahed drone has already been used in other wars. Russia used many of them during its invasion of Ukraine. Now Iran is using the same type of drone in its strategy against the United States and its regional partners.
Thousands of these drones have reportedly been launched. They may look simple compared with modern missiles or fighter jets, and some analysts even call them “the poor man’s cruise missile.” But their biggest strength is their low cost and the ability to send large numbers of them at once.
What is the Shahed-136 Drone?
The Shahed-136 is a one-way attack drone. Instead of returning to base like a normal drone it flies directly into a target and explodes. Weapons like this are sometimes called loitering munitions because they travel long distances before hitting the target.
The drone has a triangular shape and a wingspan of about 11 feet. It carries explosives in its nose and can travel long distances. Some analysts say newer versions can reach targets up to about 1,200 miles away.
The aircraft itself is relatively simple. Many of its parts are based on commercial electronics rather than complex military technology. Because of this the drone can be produced cheaply and quickly in large numbers.
Experts estimate that a single Shahed drone can cost between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on the version, CNBC reports. For comparison many advanced missiles used by modern militaries cost millions of dollars each.
According to Patrycja Bazylczyk from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the real impact of these drones comes from their economic advantage. She explained, “The Shahed-136, among other unmanned aerial systems, has allowed states like Russia and Iran a cheap way to impose disproportionate costs.”
The Cost Problem for Air Defence Systems
The biggest challenge for the United States and its allies is not simply stopping the drones. The real issue is the cost difference between attacking weapons and defensive systems.
Many countries rely on advanced air defence systems such as the Patriot missile system. Patriot interceptor missiles can cost between $3 million and $12 million each depending on the configuration.
This means that destroying a drone that might cost around $30,000 could require a missile that is dozens of times more expensive. Military analysts often describe this as an unfavorable cost exchange ratio.
Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said the Shahed system allows countries like Iran to strike opponents at a much lower cost. In his words the drone offers a way to attack enemies “on the cheap.”
The situation becomes even more difficult when drones are launched in large groups. Air defence systems have a limited number of missiles. Each interception uses one of these valuable defensive weapons.
Analysts say Iran can use this tactic to slowly exhaust an opponent’s air defence supply. Bazylczyk explained that the strategy is to wear down enemy defenses first. “The logic is to expend drones early while preserving ballistic missiles for the long haul,” she said.
Real World Impact of the Drone Attacks
Recent reports show how these drones are already affecting countries in the region. The United Arab Emirates said it detected 941 Iranian drones since the beginning of the conflict. Out of those drones 65 managed to fall inside the country.
According to officials those attacks caused damage to ports, airports, hotels and data centers. Even though most drones were intercepted some still reached their targets.
The drones are also difficult to track because they can be launched from simple truck mounted launchers. These mobile platforms make it harder for opposing forces to detect where the attack is coming from.
Satellite imagery has also shown that at least one Iranian drone strike damaged a U.S. radar installation in Qatar that is part of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System.
Cheaper ways to Stop the Drones
Because of the rising threat many militaries are now looking for less expensive ways to defend against drones. The United States has been experimenting with different technologies that could replace expensive missile interceptors.
One example is the Raytheon Coyote interceptor. This small drone is designed to destroy other drones. Each unit costs about $126,500 which is still expensive but much cheaper than a Patriot missile.
Another method is electronic warfare, where systems try to block the GPS signals that guide the drones. Some technologies like lasers or microwaves can also disable drones without missiles.
Ukraine has also created cheaper interceptor drones to stop Shahed attacks, and Gulf countries are exploring similar options now.
