According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has begun local production of Iranian Shahed-238 kamikaze drones, rebranded as Geran-3. The Ukrainians suggest that these drones are equipped with a twin-spool turbofan engine, giving them a range of up to 2,500 km and a top speed of 600 km/h.
This makes them extremely difficult to intercept for Ukraine’s mobile air defense teams, which rely on anti-aircraft machine guns and autocannons.
The first recorded use of the Shahed-238, likely a test launch, took place in January 2024, but no further strikes have been reported since. Leaked documents from Russia’s Alabuga SEZ industrial hub reveal plans for domestic production of various Shahed-238 variants.
The Shahed-238 kamikaze drone represents a significant evolution in Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle [UAV] technology, particularly noted for its integration of a jet engine over traditional propeller systems.
Unveiled in November 2023 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during an aerospace exhibition, this drone has sparked considerable interest due to its potential military applications and its implications for international security dynamics.
The Shahed-238 is essentially an advanced variant of the Shahed-136, which has been widely used in conflicts, particularly by Russian forces in Ukraine.
What sets the Shahed-238 apart is its turbojet propulsion system, which significantly boosts its speed and maneuverability compared to its piston-engine predecessors. The drone’s design is streamlined, maintaining a delta-wing shape but adapted for the increased airflow demands of jet propulsion.
This drone is powered by either the Toloue-10 or Toloue-13 micro-turbojet engines, which enable it to reach speeds of up to 500 km/h, although there are claims from Russian sources suggesting it can achieve speeds up to 800 km/h during a dive.
This substantial increase in speed over the Shahed-136, which tops out at about 180 km/h, poses a new challenge for air defense systems. However, this speed comes at the cost of reduced range and increased thermal signature, making it potentially more vulnerable to infrared-guided missiles.
Three distinct variants of the Shahed-238 have been observed, each tailored for different operational profiles. The first variant employs a basic GPS and GLONASS-based inertial navigation system, similar to that of the Shahed-136, primarily for striking fixed targets. This model focuses on cost-effectiveness, aiming to deliver precision strikes with minimal guidance technology.
The second variant introduces an electro-optical/infrared [EO/IR] camera system. This allows the drone to engage moving targets with greater accuracy, using either autonomous heat-seeking capabilities or operator-controlled guidance via video feed. This feature can significantly enhance its effectiveness against mobile military assets or in scenarios requiring last-minute target adjustments.
The third variant is equipped with a radar-detection system, intended for suppression of enemy air defenses [SEAD]. This model can detect, track, and attack radar installations or other electromagnetic signal sources, providing a strategic advantage in penetrating defended airspaces.
The Shahed-238’s use of Western components, despite international sanctions, is a notable aspect of its construction. Analysis of downed drones has revealed parts like the Czech-made PBS TJ150 turbojet engine, electronic chips from Intel and Texas Instruments, and satellite navigation components from Tallysman Wireless. This has raised questions about sanction evasion and the global supply chain’s role in military technology.
In terms of deployment, there’s unconfirmed evidence from early 2024 suggesting Russia used at least one Shahed-238 in an attack on Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian Air Force has been cautious in confirming these incidents, indicating a possible ongoing assessment of the drone’s capabilities and countermeasure development.
The Shahed-238’s introduction into active conflict zones could shift tactical approaches, given its speed, which challenges conventional anti-aircraft gun engagements, and its diverse guidance systems, which could overwhelm certain defense mechanisms.
Nonetheless, its higher production cost compared to the Shahed-136 might limit its deployment scale, leading to strategic considerations where quality might be prioritized over quantity.
Iran’s push towards such advanced drone technology, particularly in the context of the Shahed-238, underscores a broader trend of increasing reliance on UAVs for asymmetric warfare.
This development not only enhances Iran’s strategic capabilities but also raises the stakes in regional and global security discussions regarding drone proliferation and the need for effective counter-drone strategies.
Source: Bulgarian Military