IRGC spokesman discloses production cost of Shahed-136 drone

A spokesman for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has disclosed the cost of producing the Shahed-136 drone, according to Mehr News. The report did not specify the exact figure in the excerpt provided, but presented the disclosure alongside a detailed profile of the aircraft.

The Shahed-136 is an Iranian kamikaze, or one-way attack, drone designed to fly toward pre-programmed coordinates and strike a designated target. It explodes on impact and, unlike reconnaissance or reusable combat drones, is not designed to return for further use. The drone was officially unveiled in 2021. Its distinctive features include a delta-wing design, a piston engine and a rear-mounted propeller. The use of commercially available and relatively accessible components is among the factors that help reduce its manufacturing cost.

According to information published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Shahed-136 weighs approximately 200 kilograms and measures between 3.3 and 3.5 meters in length. Its wingspan is estimated at around 2.5 to 3 meters. The drone's speed has been reported at approximately 180 kilometers per hour, while its operational range is estimated at between 1,000 and 2,500 kilometers, depending on the source. Its payload capacity is also estimated at between 20 and 50 kilograms.

The Shahed-136 uses inertial and satellite navigation systems to travel toward designated coordinates. Its piston engine and rear-mounted propeller provide the power required for flight. The report noted that the technical specifications of different versions may vary as a result of modifications and upgrades.

According to Mehr News, the IRGC spokesman's disclosure concerned the true cost of building the Shahed-136, a system whose relatively low-cost components and one-way design have drawn international attention.