Russia could get two more versions of Shahed drones from Iran
Iran has handed over to the Russian Federation two improved types of drones - Shahed 191 and 129. These drones have an extended range.
According to sources, these weapons were smuggled into Russia. It was handed over after a Russian delegation visited Tehran.
An important characteristic of Iranian drones Shahed 191 and 129 is their ability to deliver projectiles to specified coordinates and after return back.
What is known about the Shahed 129
This drone is one of the most effective drones available in Iran. This strike drone was created in 2012 based on the analogy with American MQ-1 Predator and Israeli Hermes 450.
Shahed-129 is a single-engine propeller UAV that has an advanced sensor system for both daytime and nighttime reconnaissance. The drone can be used for up to 24 hours without recharging and carries Sadid-345 guided missiles, which it fires simultaneously or sequentially.
Among the disadvantages of this drone are its easy detectability by air defense radars. It also has a fairly low speed, which increases the likelihood of being shot down.
It is also important to note that Iran has only 30 Shahed-129s.
What is known about the Shahed 191
This drone is considered to be one of the most advanced compared to the available models in Western service. It was created in 2016 similar to the American Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel, which was shot down in Iran in 2011.
Shahed 191 has a turbojet engine, which allows acceleration of up to 275 km/h. This UAV must be launched from a vehicle.
The drone can fly up to 500 km and rise to an altitude of 7.5 km. At the same time, it stays in the air for up to 5 hours.
The Shahed 191 UAV is capable of carrying two high-precision Sadid-342 bombs and is therefore used for reconnaissance and firing. However, cloudy weather and fog can significantly reduce the effectiveness of combat missions. And like the other Shaheds, this model remains visible to air defenses.
Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 13/02/2023
