Shahed Drones : Russia
Russia launched one of the largest air attacks of the war on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight into June 11, 2025, deploying over 300 drones, including approximately 250 Shahed drones, alongside missiles.
- Shahed drones are Iranian-made Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and loitering munitions, primarily developed by Shahed Aviation Industries. Russia refers to the Shahed-136 as “Geran-2”.
- These drones are designed for one-way attack missions, carrying explosive warheads that detonate upon impact.
- The Shahed-136, the most widely used variant, features a delta-wing design, weighs around 200 kg and has a wingspan of 2.5–3 meters.
- The Shahed-136 can travel between 1,000 and 2,500 km at speeds up to 185 km/h. It is launched via disposable rocket boosters and then powered by a piston engine, giving it a distinctive “moped-like” sound.
- The drones use pre-programmed GPS or GLONASS coordinates, making them resistant to electronic warfare and jamming.
- Recent variants reportedly use advanced algorithms and AI for improved navigation and targeting.
- Shahed drones can be equipped with various warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation, thermobaric, and shrapnel-filled munitions, maximising damage to both personnel and equipment.
