SerbiaThe article discusses the Iranian Shahed-136 drone, highlighting its affordability and effectiveness against advanced air defense systems. It notes that the drone, originally costing between $20,000 and $50,000, now costs as little as $7,000, making it accessible for countries like Russia to use in attacks on Ukrainian targets. The drone’s simplicity allows it to bypass expensive Western anti-aircraft systems by forcing adversaries to spend more on intercepting them. The article cites military analyst Akram Harif, who emphasizes the psychological impact of these drones on civilian populations. It also traces the development of the Shahed drone back to Cold War-era projects, including a German prototype called DAR, which influenced later designs such as Israel’s Harpy drone. The article further explains how the Shahed uses satellite navigation instead of radar detection, functioning like an inexpensive cruise missile.
Tendenz-Einschätzung (Links): The article frames the Iranian drone technology as a strategic advantage for less powerful states, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and psychological warfare capabilities. While it acknowledges the technological origins of the drone in Western projects, it highlights the geopolitical implications,
