SHAHED 136 DRONE ATTACKS

Why in News?

• During the ongoing West Asia conflict, Iran has repeatedly used Shahed-136 drones to attack military targets linked to United States bases in the Gulf region.
• Reports suggest these attacks have damaged radar and communication infrastructure in several countries hosting US military facilities.
• The conflict highlights a new warfare pattern where low-cost drones challenge expensive air defence systems.

WHAT IS SHAHED 136 DRONES?

• The Shahed-136 is an Iranian loitering munition (suicide drone).
• Key characteristics:
  • Designed to hover in the air before striking a target
  • Operates as a one-way attack drone
  • Carries an explosive payload
• Because of its low cost and simple design, it can be deployed in large numbers.

IRAN’S STRATEGY: PROJECTILE SATURATION

• Iran is using a strategy known as projectile saturation.
• This means launching large numbers of drones and missiles simultaneously to overwhelm enemy air defence systems.
• Instead of relying on precision weapons, the strategy focuses on:
  • Mass deployment
  • Continuous attacks
  • Exhausting enemy interception systems.

COST COMPARISON

• One major reason for the effectiveness of this strategy is the huge cost difference between attack drones and interception missiles.
• Cost of Shahed-136 Drone
  • USD 20,000 – USD 50,000
  • About ₹18 lakh – ₹46 lakh

one interceptor missile may cost as much as dozens or even hundreds of drones.

IMPACT ON US AIR DEFENCE SYSTEMS

• Iran’s drone attacks are putting pressure on advanced US missile defence systems, including:
  • Patriot Air Defence System
  • THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence)
  • Aegis Ballistic Missile Defence System
• These systems rely on high-cost interceptor missiles, which are limited in number.
• If attacks continue at the same pace, there is concern that interceptor stocks could be exhausted faster than Iran runs out of drones.

TARGETED INFRASTRUCTURE

• Reports suggest Iranian strikes targeted communication and radar infrastructure at US-linked military bases in several Gulf countries.
• Possible affected locations include:
  • Ali Al Salem Air Base – Kuwait
  • Camp Arifjan – Kuwait
  • Manama facilities – Bahrain
  • Prince Sultan Air Base – Saudi Arabia
  • Al Udeid Air Base – Qatar
  • Al Dhafra Air Base – United Arab Emirates
  • Al Ruwais military installation – UAE

Damage reportedly included:

• Radar domes (Radomes)
• Satellite communication terminals
• Communication buildings

These facilities are part of the regional air defence coordination network.

IMPORTANCE OF RADAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

• These installations form the communication backbone of US military operations in the Gulf.
• They support:
  • Missile detection systems
  • Satellite communication
  • Air defence coordination
  • Early warning networks
• Damage to these systems can disrupt regional defence coordination.

ABOUT THE THAAD MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM

• The Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system is one of the most advanced missile defence platforms developed by the United States.
• Main Purpose
• Designed to intercept short, medium and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the final stage of flight.

KEY FEATURES OF THAAD

• Uses “Hit-to-Kill” technology (destroys targets through direct collision)
• Can intercept missiles inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere
• Engagement range: 150–200 km
• Part of the broader Ballistic Missile Defence System (BMDS).

COMPONENTS OF A THAAD BATTERY A typical THAAD battery includes:

• Interceptor missiles
• Truck-mounted launchers
• AN/TPY-2 radar system
• Fire control and communication unit
• Logistics and support equipment

Personnel strength: around 90 personnel. A battery usually contains:

• 6 launchers
• 48 interceptors
• Each launcher carries 8 missiles.

CONCLUSION The increasing use of Shahed-136 drones by Iran shows a shift in modern warfare toward low-cost, mass-produced weapons that can challenge expensive defence systems. By launching large numbers of drones, Iran is attempting to overwhelm and economically strain advanced US air defence systems, highlighting a growing asymmetry between inexpensive attack technologies and costly missile interception systems.