Apostolos Tomaras
While it is still unknown where the Iranian drone that struck the British bases in Akrotiri was launched from, attention is turning toward the weapons system behind the attack and other operations targeting American, Israeli, and Gulf states. The drone in question is the Shahed, produced in four main models, often described as “kamikaze drones” or loitering munitions.
Open-source reports show that Shahed drones have been used extensively, from the short, 12-day war in Iraq to the current Middle East conflict, and are considered cost-effective. Production is relatively cheap, while countering them with traditional air defense systems, such as anti-air missiles, is expensive. One key advantage is their ability to operate in swarms, overwhelming air defenses through sheer numbers.
The Models
The flagship of Iran’s drone program is the Shahed-136 (Geran-2), the most widely deployed version and believed to have been used in the Akrotiri strike. Classified as a suicide drone, it has delta-shaped wings, a low production cost of around $20,000–$50,000, and a range of up to 2,500 kilometers.
Other models include:
- Shahed-131 (Geran-1): an older, smaller version with similar design features.
- Shahed-149 (Gaza): used for reconnaissance and missile attacks.
- Shahed-191 / 171: stealth-type drones capable of evading some radar systems.
Shahed in Action
Shahed drones have been deployed in mass attacks against targets in Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and the British base at Akrotiri. They have also been used by Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine, demonstrating the versatility and export of the system.
Cost-effective, difficult to counter, and capable of swarming, Shahed drones have become a central tool in modern asymmetric warfare, and a key factor in why even small states like Cyprus must monitor developments so closely.
