Shahed136

The Shahed 136, also known as the HESA Geran-2 or Shahed-136, is an Iranian-designed and manufactured unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). It is a loitering munition, meaning it can circle an area for an extended period, awaiting a target before striking.

The drone is characterized by its delta wing design and its relatively long range, reportedly capable of traveling over 2,000 kilometers. This makes it suitable for deep strike missions. The Shahed 136 is powered by a small piston engine, contributing to its distinctive buzzing sound during flight, which has led to it being nicknamed the "flying motorcycle" by some observers.

Its primary armament is a high-explosive warhead, designed to inflict significant damage on its target. The Shahed 136 is believed to be relatively inexpensive to produce, making it an attractive option for nations seeking to field drone capabilities without the high cost of more sophisticated systems.

The drone gained significant international attention for its use in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where it has been deployed against various targets. Its employment in this conflict has raised concerns about its effectiveness and the proliferation of armed drones. Iran has not officially confirmed the sale or transfer of these drones to Russia, though evidence suggests otherwise. The Shahed 136 represents a growing trend in asymmetric warfare, where low-cost, expendable drones can pose a substantial threat to conventional military assets.