Why Are Western Countries Searching for Copies of the “Shahed” Drones? An In-Depth Analysis

Introduction

In the evolving landscape of modern warfare, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have revolutionized military tactics worldwide. Among these, the Iranian-made Shahed drones, particularly the Shahed-136, have garnered significant attention due to their cost-effectiveness, long-range capabilities, and surprising battlefield performance. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to unfold, Western nations such as the United States, Britain, France, and Turkey are increasingly interested in developing copies or inspired variants of these drones.