The first Shahed-238 jet with a speed of over 500 km/h is neutralized in Ukraine
The first Shahed-238 with a jet engine has been shot down in Ukraine, according to communications and electronic warfare specialist Sergey “Flash” Beskrestnov. The UAV is capable of reaching speeds of over 500 km/h, flying long distances and maneuvering quickly. The existing mobile anti-aircraft groups are ineffective at such speeds.
The new Shahed-238s will be able to reach the government-controlled territory of Ukraine and any target on it faster. However, without a significant increase in fuel reserve, speed can also mean a shorter possible distance. For their effective neutralization, mobile groups must have Stinger or other analogs.
However, the Shahed-238 has not undergone significant changes to its warhead and guidance systems, although there are variants with infrared, optical and radar systems. The black color of the hull may indicate the use of radio-absorbing materials, but so far, fragments of ordinary light color have been found. Black kamikaze drones were also shot down in Ukraine, but they were not jet models.
The Shahed-238 barrage munitions were introduced in Iran in November 23 and unexpectedly quickly found themselves involved in hostilities in Ukraine. The manufacturer does not publish official specifications of the Shahed-238, all data is approximate.
