The explosion at the British base in Akrotiri has brought the threat of kamikaze drones back to the fore. The Shahed 136, a low-cost but operationally effective system, is changing the balance of power and seriously testing the capabilities of modern air defense.
The HESA Shahed 136 is an Iranian-designed unmanned kamikaze aircraft, commonly called a “loitering munition” or “one-way attack drone,” i.e. a combination of a drone and a guided strike missile. This drone has robust features that allow it to be a cost-effective and operationally threatening weapon in a modern hybrid war.
The Shahed 136 has a triangular body of about 3,5 meters in length and a wingspan of about 2,5 meters, weighs about 200 kilograms and typically carries an installed warhead of about 40-50 kilograms at the tip of its fuselage. Its navigation system is based on GNSS/GPS combined with inertial systems, allowing for largely autonomous flight planning towards a predetermined target.
Due to its design, it is considered more of a single-use munition than a UAV with return capabilities. When launched from fixed or mobile carriers, the Shahed 136 approaches and collides with its target, causing an explosion and destruction of fixed objects, infrastructure or installations.
Operational capabilities
Long range and autonomy:
Despite its relatively simple navigation system, the Shahed 136 has been described as being capable of covering distances of up to 1.000 km or more without feedback, although there are differences in values depending on the source and model. This makes it capable of hitting targets in areas far from the launch bases.
The main strategic advantage is that it can be launched in large swarms: dozens, even hundreds of drones can be launched simultaneously, helping to overload enemy anti-missile and anti-aircraft systems, depleting ammunition and protection resources.
Low economic node
The production cost of the Shahed 136 is significantly lower than comparable missile systems or satellite-guided UAVs, which allows states or non-state actors to produce or secure large numbers without astronomical costs.
Although it lacks a full sensor system, its built-in GPS and INS capabilities allow it to navigate to its destination with relative accuracy. Some later versions that have been fielded contain mini-computer systems and small cameras, enhancing the system's actual performance in recognition and targeting.
The Shahed 136 can be launched from fixed ramps, vehicle-mounted units, or even temporary battlefield sites. This flexibility makes it difficult to locate and destroy the launch infrastructure before an attack is fully launched.
In Cyprus
According to initial reports and unconfirmed information from security circles, the strike on the Akrotiri air base in Cyprus was caused by a brand new type of unmanned "suicide" UAV system, with the Shahed 136 being the most likely candidate. This fact highlights that the operational capabilities of such drones have gone beyond the scope of regional conflicts and have been exposed to the broader geopolitical environment.
Drones of this type serve the purpose of violating airspace control zones and accessing missile defense systems, enabling remote groups or state actors to strike strategic installations at low cost and with a high intensity of success.
Shahed 136 is one of the most characteristic examples of the transformation of modern warfare towards forms where low-cost, long-range unmanned weapons can transform operational plans and put even advanced defense systems to the test.
Source: newsauto.g
