Iran unveils most modern Shahed model

Three Shahed-238 models were displayed at the exhibition (Photo: Iranian State Media).

Shahed-238 was displayed at an "aerospace achievements exhibition" organized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at Ashura Aerospace Science and Technology University in Tehran on November 19.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on display features a new guidance system that appears to utilize infrared optical guidance. Previous Shahed models primarily used inertial guidance in combination with GPS to attack stationary targets.

The appearance of this UAV model was first revealed in September.

Developed from the Shahed-136 model that Russia has widely used in Ukraine, the three Shahed-238s on display represent three different navigation options. One of the three is believed to have anti-radiation search equipment.

If true, this version of the Shahed-238 is designed to detect enemy radio transmitters, particularly air defense radars, thereby allowing it to intercept or destroy the enemy's air defense shield.

Shahed-238 (Photo: Iranian state media).

All three Shahed-238 models also feature a matte black finish, possibly a paint or radar-resistant coating, but it could also simply indicate that this UAV model is primarily intended for nighttime raids.

The basic Shahed-136 model is believed to have a maximum range of 2,000 km at a speed of 180 km/h. It is currently unclear what stage of development the Shahed-238 is in.

Ukraine had difficulty countering the Shahed-131/136 due to their small size, low altitude, and tendency to travel in swarms. The Shahed-238 was considered an even more challenging target due to its smaller size, black paint scheme, and high speed thanks to its jet engines.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/iran-trinh-lang-mau-shahed-hien-dai-nhat-20231123182617249.htm