Beware Iran’s Shahed-238 Jet Powered Strike Drone

Iran’s defense industry recently unveiled a formidable addition to its unmanned aerial technology arsenal: the Shahed-147, a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft system.

According to defense media sources, this latest Iranian drone stands out with its remarkable features, boasting a wingspan spanning 26 meters and an impressive ceiling altitude of 60,000 feet.

But, what distinguishes the Shahed-147 further is reportedly its utilization of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), bringing its surveillance capabilities to new heights.

Overview of the Shahed-147 Drone

The Shahed-147 represents an impressive feat in Iran’s aerial technology.

Its substantial wingspan and soaring altitude allow it to traverse vast areas, reinforcing Iran’s aerial reconnaissance capabilities.

Equipped with a turboprop engine, this twin-boom surveillance drone demonstrates exceptional endurance, enabling extended missions at high altitudes.

Shahed-147 is set to make Iran the 3rd country producing a HALE drone (after U.S & China)

➡️ Main advantage of flying at 18km altitude:

Radar horizon further away, allowing radar detection of large ship from far.
Flight endurance is also improved up there

Some details below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/oQrrR0wWK4

— Patarames (@Pataramesh) November 22, 2023

As mentioned, the platform incorporates SAR technology, which sets the Shahed-147 apart from over a dozen other Iranian unmanned aerial system (UAS) models—empowering it to generate high-resolution imagery even in adverse weather conditions.

Iran’s Dedication to Enhanced Aerial Reconnaissance

Iran has steadily advanced its drone technology in recent years, showcasing its commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities.

The Shahed-147 symbolizes Iran’s resolve to fortify its surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Operating at high altitudes for prolonged periods, this drone is poised to play a pivotal role in monitoring and reconnaissance missions, underscoring Tehran’s growing regional strategic prowess.

Comparatively, the Shahed-147 marks a substantial leap forward in Iran’s drone technology landscape.

Its integration of SAR technology amplifies its effectiveness, offering unparalleled imaging capabilities that transcend weather constraints.

This revolutionary feature positions the Shahed-147 as a cornerstone in Iran’s future spy drone fleet, solidifying its role as a game-changer in aerial surveillance capabilities.

Unveiling and Future Prospects

The unveiling of the Shahed-147 garnered considerable attention from defense experts and analysts worldwide.

Experts lauded its potential applications, foreseeing missions ranging from border surveillance to monitoring critical infrastructures.

Moreover, Iran has outlined a comprehensive roadmap for further developing and integrating advanced technologies into its drone systems, signifying its commitment to staying at the forefront of military innovation.

However, the international response to Iran’s technological advancements in the defense sector remains multifaceted.

While some acknowledge Iran’s strides in drone technology, others raise concerns about the implications for regional security dynamics and the global balance of power.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite its technological prowess, the integration and deployment of the Shahed-147 may face challenges.

The global community closely monitors Iran’s advancements in military technology, raising questions about the drone’s capabilities and potential ramifications for regional stability.

As a result, concerns persist about the impact of such advancements on the broader geopolitical landscape.

Iran’s Shahed-238: Advancements in Strike Drone Technology

Meanwhile, Iran’s Ashura University of Aerospace Sciences and Technologies has recently showcased its groundbreaking development, introducing its jet-powered strike drone, Shahed-238.

This unveiling, which coincided with the visit of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, to the university in Tehran, unveiled another of the latest aerospace achievements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The video below follows Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei as he visits the University in Tehran last Sunday, November 19.

Features of the Shahed-238 Drone

According to reports, the Shahed-238 is a modified version of the Shahed-136, featuring a jet-powered system and available in three distinct variations, each equipped with different guidance systems.

The showcased versions include:

Standard Model. Equipped with an autonomous guidance system based on inertial navigation and Global Positioning System (GPS) signals (middle version).

Infrared/Optical Guidance System. Designed to target heat-contrast objectives, particularly crucial military equipment situated in the enemy’s rear.

Radar Guidance System. Holds potential as an anti-radar missile analog, targeting emissions from search radars and potentially neutralizing and breaching enemy air defense systems.

Notable Design and Technical Modifications

The Shahed-238 exhibits distinctive design alterations compared to its prototype, particularly in its fuselages, which are uncommonly black for Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

🚨Update: Tehran just revealed its new Iranian Shahed-238 kamikaze attack drone!

Iran is now producing a new Shahed with a jet engine, with different radar guidance! This Shahed is more advanced and reactive! It's black matte color which could make it harder for visual… pic.twitter.com/ieGxvK29HI

— US Civil Defense News (@CaptCoronado) November 21, 2023

This color suggests the potential use of radar-absorbing materials, although official confirmation is pending.

The earlier prototype showcased an optical station mounted under the fuselage at the front, indicating ongoing design modifications.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

Despite the lack of disclosed technical specifications, expectations are high due to the anticipated high-speed capabilities provided by the jet engine.

However, this advancement might result in a reduced flight range.

Notably, the Shahed-136, its predecessor, retained the ability to launch from both moving vehicles and stationary platforms using a solid-fuel booster.

The Shahed-238’s earlier prototype with an optical guidance station relied on manual operation by a controller, limiting its range and requiring relay stations near the target.

However, the newly introduced versions equipped with guidance heads seem capable of autonomous navigation toward their targets, potentially enhancing their operational capabilities significantly.

Conclusion: Advancements in Iran’s Unmanned Aerial Technology

Last week witnessed the unveiling of Iran’s Shahed-147 and Shahed-238, marking significant advancements in the nation’s unmanned aerial technology.

🇮🇷 #Iran presented a new loitering munition “Shahed-238” – a jet version of the “Shahed-136” drone, and a heavy UAV “Shahed-147” pic.twitter.com/uEytnrFR4m

— 𝗡 𝗢 𝗜 𝗦 𝗘 ⚡ A L E R T S (@NoiseAlerts) November 20, 2023

These unveilings have garnered global attention, drawing varied responses from defense experts and analysts. While acknowledging Iran’s technological strides, concerns have been raised about the geopolitical implications and regional stability arising from the deployment of such advanced drone systems.

The integration and deployment of the Shahed-147 and Shahed-238 present multifaceted challenges and opportunities, prompting the global defense community to closely monitor their development. As these drones undergo further testing and refinement, their capabilities and strategic contributions will continue to be subjects of intense scrutiny and analysis.