Iran Sends Its Cheap And Best 'Shahed' Drones At Expensive Targets
The Shahed drone's biggest strength is that it is very cheap to build and deploy, but gives the effect of a much more powerful weapon than its size. Others may be forced to expend their pricey anti-drone missiles, making interception of the Shahed drones a costly affair. Most weaponised drones have range and weight limitations. The Shahed works around these by acting as a drone and a cruise missile rolled into one. The Shahed-136, for example, can reach a maximum of 2,500 km. Iran has been able to launch the Shahed drones from deep within its territory, far away from any prying eyes. This has ensured their survivability and unpredictableness. Its payload capability is also good, at par with its range strength. The Shahed drones fly at very low altitude, powered by a basic piston propulsion system. When these qualities are combined with its small radar signature, they are hard to detect in areas where the terrain is uneven. Some have called the Shahed drones' engine noise t...
