Summary: Iran significantly escalated its conflict with Israel by directly launching a barrage of UAVs and missiles on April 13, moving away from its usual strategy of employing proxies. Despite Iran's use of these advanced Shahed-136 drones, which have been utilized effectively by Russia in Ukraine, Israel's defense systems, including the Iron Dome, intercepted nearly all the incoming threats with assistance from the U.S., UK, and Jordan. This direct attack marks a bold shift in Iran's approach, demonstrating its willingness to confront Israel more openly despite the high likelihood of retaliation and the effectiveness of Israel's missile defense capabilities.

Behind Iran's Attack: The Shahed-136 Drone's Role in the New Middle East Dynamics

Iran unleashed a large-scale barrage against Israel over the weekend, marking a dramatic shift in the character of the decades-long shadow war between the two countries. 

Iran’s direct engagement against Israel is new. Tehran typically relies on proxies across the region to carry out attacks, and it has continued to work through its affiliates to flex its muscles since war broke out in the region in October. And while the Israel Defense Forces and its allies intercepted roughly 99% of the 300-odd projectiles launched into the Jewish state on April 13, Iran’s attack will not likely go unanswered. 

Lacking conventional military means and might, Tehran often depends on asymmetrical warfare to engage its adversaries. While the regime has prioritized the development and production of ballistic missiles over the years, it has recently emphasized drone development. Unmanned aerial vehicles are cheaper, more easily maintained, and simpler to operate, making them an ideal weapons system for countries with limited resources. Today, Iran’s proxies across the Middle East – groups including the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces – receive a steady supply of these increasingly dangerous weapons. 

Introducing the Shahed-136

Although the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps uses its UAV arsenal to operate intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions over the region, the lethal drones used in this weekend’s barrage have been battle-tested before. Specifically, Russia has made prominent use of the Shahed-136 UAV throughout its invasion of Ukraine. 

This long-range weapon was publicly debuted in 2021. Based off the Shahed-131, the drone is capable of remaining airborne and loitering prior to striking its target. UAVs with this capability are often referred to as “kamikaze” or “suicide” drones. Loitering munitions have been around for several decades, but their use has become more widespread since a 2021 conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

Specs and Capabilities

Powered by the Chinese-produced MD550 engine, the Shahed UAV can reach a maximum speed of 185 kilometers per hour. Analysts believe this engine is largely a reverse-engineered version of a German design. 

The UAV launches from a catapult system or from pre-filled containers fired off the backs of vehicles using an ejectable rocket assist system. As explained by the Institute for Science and International Security, the Shahed-136 has a range of at least a couple thousand kilometers, giving it the ability to reach Israeli territory. Three Shahed-136 variants are available to the Iranian armed forces, including anti-personnel, anti-fortification, and radar-seeking models. The drones can be used as pre-programmed direct-attack munitions like a long-range cruise missile, or as long-range loitering munitions.

The Shahed 136’s cheaper cost and offensive qualities have made the drone an export success. In 2020, Tehran delivered these UAVs to Yemen to be deployed by the Houthis in that country’s civil war. Iran more recently provided hundreds of these lethal drones to Russia to aid in Moscow’s war efforts against Ukraine. 

This family of UAVs has proven to be especially useful to Russia’s air force, granting it the range to strike deep inside Ukrainian territory. Moscow has used the Shahed to attack military and civilian sites in Ukraine, providing Tehran with a clearer understanding of the UAV’s potential uses in warfare. 

How Did the Shahed Perform in the Israel Attack?

According to Israeli and American officials, nearly all of the UAVs and ballistic missiles launched toward Israel by Iran were intercepted. The vast majority of these weapons was struck down before they even reached Israeli territory. The U.S., UK, and Jordan helped thwart Tehran’s barrage, showing their support for the Jewish state. 

Israel’s own robust defense systems got involved as well. Since Hamas’ October 7 massacre, the IDF’s Iron Dome system has been tested by frequent barrages launched by Iranian proxy groups. 

Tehran probably did not expect any of its launched drones or missiles to make it past Iron Dome or the fighter jets deployed to intercept them. However, this attack highlights the regime’s willingness strike at Israeli territory from afar. 

About the Author: Maya Carlin 

Maya Carlin, National Security Writer with The National Interest, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. 

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