Overview:
The Shahed-136 is a ‘precision-attack loitering munition system developed by Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA), which is a subsidiary of Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), a state-owned aerospace company controlled by Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.'[1]Airforce Technology, Shahed-136 Kamikaze UAV, Iran’, https://www.army-technology.com/projects/shahed-136-kamikaze-uav-iran/. In Russia, the Shahed-136 is known as the Geran-2, and Conflict Armament Research has determined that ‘the Russian Federation has started producing and fielding its own domestic version of the Shahed-136.’
The system can ‘carry up to 40kg of warheads at its nose section and can be mounted and launched from a military or commercial truck.’ While it is a loitering munition, the system has ‘mainly been used for point-to-point suicide missions rather than as loitering munitions that hunt for opportune targets.'[2]RUSI, Russia’s Iranian-made UAVs: A technical profile’, https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/russias-iranian-made-uavs-technical-profile
The Shahed-136 navigates using a combination of a commercial-grade inertial navigation system together with GPS and GLONASS satellite navigation systems. It also carries a commercial-grade digital communication device that allows it to receive updates on its target’s location or even change targets.’ It is reported to also have swarming capabilities.[3]RUSI, Russia’s Iranian-made UAVs: A technical profile’, https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/russias-iranian-made-uavs-technical-profile
While it has been claimed that the payload ‘can also include photo equipment that can take still and real-time images or videos'[4]Army Technology, ‘Shahed-136’, https://www.armyrecognition.com/iran_unmanned_ground_aerial_vehicles_systems/shahed-136_loitering_munition_kamikaze-suicide_drone_iran_data.html, an in-depth investigation into the Shahed by Airwars and Der Spiegel found that ‘none of the Shahed variants found in Ukraine so far have contained cameras in the nose’.[5]Airwards and Der Spiegel, ‘A year of the Shahed: How Iranian drones became a key tool in Russia’s arsenal’, https://airwars.org/investigation/shahed-year-russia-ukraine-iran/
Autonomy:
The extent of the Shahed-136’s autonomous functionalities or capabilities is unclear. It is reported that ‘a loitering version with onboard homing sensors may exist’, and the ODIN database states thats autonomous flight operations are ‘made possible through onboard artificial intelligence or pre-programming’. However, an Airwars and Der Spiegel investigation into the Shahed has found that ‘they actually lack the remote guidance capabilities of most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Instead operators plug in geo-coordinates for a target – typically something static and large such as a warehouse or apartment building – and set them to launch. After a rocket-assisted take off the engine – which gives the Shahed its distinctive ‘lawn mower’ sound – kicks in. Unless shot down, the drone eventually nose dives into the target.’
On May 8, #Russian troops attacked #Kyiv region with 36 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 drones.
💪🇺🇦#Ukrainian defenders shot down all enemy UAVs.
In #Kyiv, due to the fallen debris, there are destructions and casualties. pic.twitter.com/2HLvEb1BII— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) May 8, 2023
Instances of use:
Type: Loitering munition
Country: Iran
Year: reportedly 2019; officially unveiled in 2021
Use:
Combat
Weight: 200kg
Speed: 185km
Range:
Claimed range of between 1,500 and 2000km
Payload: Up to 40kg
References