Following an Israeli assault, Iran has propelled 100 Shahed-136 drones towards Israel. In response, Jordanian and Israeli air forces are working tirelessly to neutralize these threats within their airspaces. How formidable are these Shahed-136 drones? What duration do they require to reach Israel?
What is the Shahed-136 Drone?
The Shahed-136 is an Iranian-crafted drone, primarily designed for offensive operations. Esteemed as a 'low-cost weapon', it is apt for mass deployment. Characterized by its single-use nature, the drone explodes upon reaching its target. Introduced in 2020 by Iran, it gained notoriety in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where it was utilized by Russian forces.
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Source: aajtak
Features and Strengths of Shahed-136
Highlighted below are the significant features and potency of the Shahed-136 drone...
Range:
Capable of flying up to 2,000-2,500 kilometers, Shahed-136 can effortlessly reach Israel from Iran, given the approximate 1,600-1,800 kilometer distance.
Speed:
With an average pace of 180-200 kilometers per hour, it's not fast, yet its robustness is nonpareil. Its slower pace makes it radar-visible, but in large quantities, it's a formidable challenge to intercept.
Payload:
This drone can carry around 40-50 kilograms of explosives, potent enough to damage minor military outposts, infrastructure, or personnel but not sufficient to obliterate major nuclear facilities.
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Altitude:
Operating at 3,000-4,000 meters, it falls in the low-flying drone category. While this helps evade traditional radar, modern air defense systems can hone in on it easily.
Fuel and Design:
Powered by propellers, its cost-effective design allows for mass production, making it ideal for 'swarm attacks' (multiple drones striking simultaneously) by Iran.
Source: aajtak
Assessment of Power:
The damage radius of a single Shahed-136 explosion spans about 50-100 meters. A simultaneous attack by 100 drones could wreak havoc on military bases, infrastructure, and civilian zones in Israel.
Time to Reach Israel?
The time Shahed-136 drones require to reach Israel depends on several factors, such as distance, speed, and wind conditions...
Distance:
The aerial distance from Iran to Israel is roughly 1,600-1,800 kilometers, comfortably within the drone's range.
Speed:
At 180-200 kilometers per hour, a journey could last approximately 8-10 hours.
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Real-Time Progress:
With these drones spotted within Jordanian and Iraqi airspace, it suggests that they have already traversed for 2-3 hours. If unimpeded, it's another potential 2-5 hours to reach Israel.
International Updates:
According to AP and the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces), these drones could reach Israel within hours, given their slower velocity and Jordan's ongoing interception efforts.
Source: aajtak
Jordan and Israel's Response
Jordan's Air Force:
Proactively, Jordan has commenced intercepting the missiles and drones within its airspace. As reported by Jordanian state media, numerous drones have been neutralized before reaching Israeli boundaries.
Israeli Air Force (IAF):
The IDF confirms the launch of over 100 drones. The IAF is committed to intercepting them before they breach Israeli territory, employing F-35 jets and Patriot missile defense systems.
The Threat and Potential Impact
While a single Shahed-136 drone might not cause substantial damage, the cumulative effect of 100 drones could be devastating if not thwarted. Military and infrastructural targets, as well as civilian areas, are at risk. Israel might heighten its countermeasures, possibly intensifying the conflict.
