Iran Reveals Specifications of Shaheed-238 Kamikaze UAV

Technical specifications of Iran’s turbojet-powered Shaheed-238 kamikaze UAV have surfaced in local Iranian media. The shaheed-238, a turbojet-powered kamikaze UAV, represents a significant technological advancement. It is based on the Shaheed-136, a long-range kamikaze UAV frequently used by Russian forces under the name Geran-2 in the Russo-Ukrainian War. The new UAV shares the same body configuration as its predecessor, with minor adjustments such as a top-mounted air intake and double actuator control surfaces. Shaheed-238 was revealed near the end of 2023, and it has seeker options like IR and RF (possibly passive). The UAV’s stated technical specifications include a speed of 500 km/h, a range of 1200 km, and an operational ceiling of 30000 ft. Because it uses a turbojet engine that has a higher fuel consumption rate than the piston type in its predecessor, Shaheed-238 has an endurance of two hours. No information regarding the warhead weight has been given, but at 380 kg, it is close to Shaheed-136’s, so it might be similar at most. Considering its higher speed and limited endurance, the Shaheed-238 can be seen as a budget-friendly cruise missile. While Russia currently uses the Shaheed-136, no statement has been made regarding a purchase of the Shaheed-238. However, given Russia’s strategy of launching direct mass attacks with the Shaheed-136, it is likely that they will consider the new derivative in the future to bolster this approach. The higher speed and altitude of Shaheed-238 might make the current Ukrainian anti-UAV defences more challenging, as the current strategy is based on exploiting the low speed and altitude of Shaheed-136 with a mass of machine guns or autocannons.