The Shahed-238 has lost the main advantage of the Shahed-136
Iran recently unveiled the Shahed-238 jet drone. It is technologically superior to the Shahed-136 drone. At the same time, the technologies used in the new barrage munition have a number of drawbacks. This was reported by Oleg Katkov, editor-in-chief of Defense Express, in an interview with NV.
The new drone is closer to the cruise missile class in terms of its characteristics. It is equipped with a jet engine and a more technologically advanced guidance system. The drone reaches the point of impact in the same way as a conventional Shahed. As it approaches the target, it starts scanning the area.
The Iranian defense industry has presented three versions of the new UAV with different guidance systems. The Shahed-238 with inertial and satellite guidance systems is designed to strike stationary targets. The drone with infrared and optical sensors is capable of attacking moving targets. A drone with a radar guidance system will be used to destroy air defense systems.
According to Katkov, the installation of a jet propulsion system and a new guidance system in the Shahed-238 has increased the cost of its production. As a result, the drone has lost the main advantage of the Shahed-136, which is its low cost and mass production.
