What is the range of the Shahed-136, the Iranian drones used in the attack against Israel?
The drones have a range of 1,500 miles, the capacity to carry 110-pound explosive warheads, and use inertial navigation and GPS to reach their target.
Iran launched an unprecedented attack against Israel with drones and missiles on Saturday in retaliation for the Israeli aerial bombardment that killed more than ten people in Damascus on April 1, including several members of the Revolutionary Guard.
Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States have intercepted 99% of the more than 200 drones launched so far, according to the Israeli Army, which estimates that the impact of the projectiles may take several hours and warns that the attack is still in progress.
READ ALSO: Meet Ebrahim Raisi, president of Iran
Effects of Iran’s drone attack
At the moment, the extent of the offensive is unknown, but emergency services and authorities have reported that a minor is in critical condition after being injured by shrapnel.
The attack represents a worrying milestone in the region after months of tensions due to the outbreak of the war in Gaza, and has unleashed fears in the international community. UN Secretary General António Guterres has declared himself “deeply alarmed by the real risk of a devastating escalation in the region.”
The United Nations has asked for maximum containment to avoid another episode of war in the Middle East. The European Union, Egypt and Canada have also demanded that tensions be reduced, an opinion widespread on social networks among some political figures from other countries.
READ ALSO: Power roles between Iran’s Supreme Leader and the President
Shahed 136 drones: What are they?
For the first time in its history, Iran has used the infamous Shahed 136 drones. Although they move slowly, they carry an explosive warhead smaller than a missile and fly at very low altitudes. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in Ukraine, after the massive acquisition of these devices by Moscow.
They have a range of 1,500 miles, the capacity to carry explosive warheads weighing 110 pounds, enough to cause considerable damage to structures and infrastructure, and uses a combination of inertial navigation and GPS to reach its objective.
Characteristics of the Shahed 136 drone
Also known as the kamikaze drone, the Shahed 136 lacks external optics; that is, it cannot be directed from a distance. It takes off, and flying at a low altitude, advances autonomously along a determined route according to the GPS coordinates entered before its launch.
- The nose section contains a warhead estimated to weigh between 66 and 110 pounds.
- The engine is located at the rear of the fuselage and drives a two-bladed pusher propeller.
- The munition is 11 feet long with a wingspan of 8.2 feet, flies at over 115 mph and weighs about 440 pounds.
However, these drones move at low speed, reaching only a maximum of 115 mph. Therefore, as detailed by the Israeli authorities, the weapons will take approximately nine hours to reach their airspace and will most likely be shot down sooner.
Due to their low cost and high effectiveness, the use of these drones could change the rules of the game in future conflicts.