Iran Unveils Hypersonic Missile, Long Range Drone, Mobile Air Defense

Shahed-238

The exhibition featured the Shahed-238, a modified version of the Shahed-136 drone, showcased in three variants with distinct guidance systems. Alongside the traditional model equipped with an inertial navigation system and GPS, there were versions incorporating infrared/optical and, possibly, radar guidance systems.

The infrared/optical-guided variant is designed for precision strikes on heat-contrast targets, particularly vital military assets in the enemy's rear. The drone with a radar homing head functions akin to anti-radiation missiles, targeting search radar emissions to neutralize and suppress enemy air defense systems.

All three drones have a unique black color, potentially indicating the use of radio-absorbing materials, although this remains unconfirmed. Notably, the updated drones exhibit construction changes compared to the prototype, where the optical sensor was previously positioned under the fuselage.

Details on the technical specifications of the Shahed-238 are undisclosed, with emphasis on a high-speed jet engine that may incur higher costs. While a prototype launch from a moving vehicle was demonstrated, the drones are expected to maintain the capability for stationary platform launches using solid fuel boosters, consistent with the Shahed-136.

The earlier prototype with an optical guidance system required manual operation, limiting range and necessitating repeaters at the target. However, the showcased drone variants, equipped with homing heads, appear capable of autonomously targeting objectives.