Tehran, Iran – Web Desk: Iranian-made Shahed drones are emerging as a significant factor in the ongoing Middle East conflict, causing widespread destruction despite their relatively low cost, according to international news agencies.
Reports indicate that the loitering munitions, commonly known as “kamikaze drones,” are equipped with advanced navigation systems that allow them to strike targets with high precision. Unlike conventional systems, these drones can operate without continuous GPS guidance, making them more resilient to electronic warfare.
Experts say the drones use inertial navigation systems (INS), enabling them to maintain direction even in GPS-denied environments. Typically, Shahed drones initially lock onto their targets using GPS, then switch to offline navigation to avoid jamming, before reconnecting near the target for improved accuracy.
Research institutions in the United States have noted that some variants may include anti-jamming antennas and enhanced positioning technologies comparable to advanced military-grade GPS systems.
Constructed from lightweight materials such as plastic and fiberglass, the drones can fly at low altitudes and evade radar detection, increasing their effectiveness on the battlefield.
Analysts suggest Iran may also be integrating alternative navigation systems such as China’s BeiDou and Russia’s GLONASS, further improving operational reliability and strike capability in contested environments.
The growing deployment of these drones highlights evolving warfare tactics in the region, where cost-effective technology is increasingly shaping modern conflict dynamics.
