Iran has supplied Russia with new, faster versions of its kamikaze drones. A first model was destroyed by Ukraine.
Iran continues to perpetually arm Russia. New versions of Iranian kamikaze drones were destroyed in Ukraine during the month of January 2024. Analysis of the debris shows that Iran improved its devices with a jet engine, abandoning the electric propellers characteristic of drones.
This propulsion using fuel allows the devices to fly higher and faster, and makes their neutralization more complicated. An optical/infrared guidance system would also have been added to potentially target thermal contrast targets.
The Shahed-136 kamikaze drone flies at a maximum speed of 185 km/h. Which makes it quite easily detectable by anti-aircraft defenses. However, these drones force Ukrainian forces to focus on all threats when the Russians launch large combined salvos of drones and missiles on cities.
The faults of a jet engine for a drone
The new version, called Shahed-238, was presented by Iran in November 2023. Less than four months later, these models were supplied to Russia and sent to Ukraine, a sign of active cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.
Note that a fuel engine also makes the device more detectable by thermal radars. Kerosene burns quickly and a drone can only carry a limited amount, which can reduce its range. These first destroyed devices are currently serving as a test.
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