It was in September 2022 when the drones began to have a determining role in the ukrainian war. At that time, the raids carried out by the Shahed-136 designed by Iran and that later Russia would go on to produce itself under the name Geran-2. Two years later, at the end of last month, Iran presented an improved version of this kamikaze drone, the Shahed-136Bin a parade commemorating the anniversary of the war between Iran and Iraq.
The Shahed-136B has several important improvements. Among them, a larger 50-kilogram warhead, an operational range much greater than that of the Shahed-136, among 2,500 and 4,000 kilometersa more powerful engine and better stealth capabilities. These improvements seek to increase the lethality and survivability of the drone, whose predecessor had a range of ‘only’ 1,800 km.
Compared with Shahed-136, Shahed-136B adopts a more conventional design of aircraft, moving away from the delta wing configuration, making it more aerodynamic and reduces the visibility of its propeller engines.
Iran unveiled the Shahed-136B, an upgraded version of its kamikaze UAV.
The Shahed-136B reportedly boasts an operational range of over 4,000 kilometers, carries a warhead weighing around 50 kilograms. pic.twitter.com/Nc1qpPo3Xf
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 22, 2024
However, other important details such as the flight speed or its electronics have not been revealed, as well as the status of its development. It is not clear whether this aircraft is ready for serial production or whether it has to pass flight tests..
Another new drone could also be seen at the parade, the Shahed-238a version of the Shahed-136 with a turbojet engine, and a new ballistic missile called Jihad which has a range of approximately 1,000 km. Iran, which has always denied that it has supplied Shahed-136 drones to Russia, assures that its technological advances are only aimed at protect your national security.
This technological evolution strengthens Iran’s ability to carry out long-range operations and allows it, with this drone, be able to attack anywhere in Israel. Another question that arises is whether Russia will use these drones as it did with the Shahed-136. A Shahed-136B, with its range of 4,000 kilometers, would have all of Western Europe under its reachincluding US military bases and other key infrastructure.
It is known that Russia is trying to improve its Geran-2 or Shahed-136 for its war in Ukraine. A report of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, dated September 16, 2024, revealed that its fighters shot down a Shahed in the Sumy region with small arms fire and that it fell without detonating. The attached photos indicate that this UAV presents an extended nose, suggesting an increase in the mass of the warhead.