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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: o Designed to hover in the air before striking a target o Operates as a one-way attack drone o 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: o Mass deployment o Continuous attacks o 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 o USD 20,000 – USD 50,000 o About ₹18 lakh – ₹46 lakh Defence System Approx Cost per Interceptor Patriot Missile System USD 3.7 – 4 million (₹34–37 crore) THAAD Interceptor USD 12 – 15 million (₹110–137 crore) SM-6 Missile USD 9 – 10 million (₹82–92 crore) SM-3 Missile USD 27 – 28 million (₹247–256 crore) This means 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: o Patriot Air Defence System o THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) o 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. #Shahed136 #DroneWarfare #IranUSConflict #AirDefence #THAAD #PatriotMissile #MiddleEastConflict #MilitaryTechnology #ModernWarfare #Geopolitics TARGETED INFRASTRUCTURE • Reports suggest Iranian strikes targeted communication and radar infrastructure at US-linked military bases in several Gulf countries. • Possible affected locations include: o Ali Al Salem Air Base – Kuwait o Camp Arifjan – Kuwait o Manama facilities – Bahrain o Prince Sultan Air Base – Saudi Arabia o Al Udeid Air Base – Qatar o Al Dhafra Air Base – United Arab Emirates o 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: o Missile detection systems o Satellite communication o Air defence coordination o 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.