Shahed131

The Shahed-131, also known as the HESA Shahed-131 or by its Russian designation Géran-1, is an Iranian-manufactured unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) and loitering munition. Developed by the Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center, it is a relatively small drone designed for reconnaissance and attack missions. Its primary characteristic is its ability to loiter over a target area, identify a specific objective, and then dive to strike it, effectively acting as a suicide drone or kamikaze drone.

The Shahed-131 is believed to be powered by a small, single-cylinder engine, contributing to its relatively low speed and altitude capabilities. It carries a warhead designed to cause significant damage upon impact. Its small size and stealthy flight profile are intended to make it difficult to detect and intercept by conventional air defense systems.

Reports suggest the Shahed-131 has been exported and utilized by various actors, notably in conflicts in the Middle East. Its deployment has been observed in situations where lower-cost, expendable strike capabilities are advantageous. The drone's design prioritizes operational simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for certain military operations. Intelligence assessments indicate its capabilities are continuously evolving.