Explanation of the Kamikaze Drones Used by Iran to Attack Israel

JAKARTA – Iran fired a large number of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at Israel. Among the drones used in the April 13, 2024 attack, according to Iranian state media, were the Iranian-made Shahed-136 and Shahed-131.

This drone is actually primitive. It has been used by pro-Iran militant groups in the Middle East. But, precisely because it is primitive, many of its opponents are afraid. Why? Because the price is affordable, but very dangerous.

Tehran is also accused of sending the drones to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine.

Are Shahed Drones Effective?

The Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 “kamikaze” drones are cheap but effective, according to experts. Built with commonly available components, these drones have been derided as “lawnmowers” ​​and “scooters” because of the sound their engines make when flying.

However, low-flying drones designed to hit such targets have proven themselves capable of hitting targets, both in terms of effectiveness and low military cost (making them easy to manufacture on a large scale).

“This drone has proven capable of causing enormous damage to an opponent when launched,” said Samuel Bendett of the Virginia-based Center for Naval Analyzes.

John Krzyzaniak, a researcher at the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, said Iranian drones like the Shahed-136 could “wreak havoc” if fired in large numbers.

What is the Operational Range of the Shahed Drone?

Estimates of the operational range of the Shahed-136 vary, but Iran says it is capable of a range of up to 2,500 kilometers.

This distance puts Israel, which is located about 1,000 kilometers from Iran, within effective striking distance. The Israeli military said Iran had fired on around 170 drones, all of which were intercepted.

The slightly smaller and older Shahed-131 is estimated to have a range of 900 kilometers. Launched in 2021, the Shahed-136 can fly at a maximum speed of only about 185 kilometers per hour, making it vulnerable to interception. Its payload capacity — about 50 kilograms — is also limited.

Does Iran Have Other Drones?

Iran has become a prolific drone manufacturer in recent years. Iran also produces more advanced combat drones, including the Mohajer-6 as well as the Shahed-129 and Shahed-191.

Jeremy Binnie, a Middle East defense expert at global intelligence firm Janes, described the Shahed-129 as a “long-range surveillance and attack” drone.

The Mohajer-6 drone is capable of carrying out reconnaissance and air attack missions within a radius of 200 kilometers. These stealth drones, Binnie said, are used “to penetrate heavily defended airspace.”