The weapon changing wars: How Iran’s Shahed drones are now haunting West Asia’s skies after Ukraine battlefields

Iran drones have made a mark

Iran’s Shahed drones, first used widely in the Russia–Ukraine war, are now central to attacks across West Asia. Their low cost and swarm tactics are reshaping warfare, overwhelming air defenses and threatening critical infrastructure in the Gulf and Middle East.

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Iran’s Shahed drones, which first gained global attention during the Russia–Ukraine war, are now emerging as a central weapon in the escalating conflict across West Asia. Once associated mainly with strikes on Ukrainian cities, these low-cost “kamikaze drones” are increasingly being deployed by Iran in attacks across the Gulf and the wider Middle East, raising concerns about how cheap unmanned weapons are reshaping modern warfare.

From Ukraine battlefields to Middle East skies

The Shahed drones became widely known after Russia used large numbers of them in its war against Ukraine, launching repeated swarm attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and cities. Moscow acquired Iranian-made Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones and later began producing its own variants domestically, using them to bombard Ukrainian targets in waves.

Military analysts say the tactic changed the dynamics of air warfare. Instead of relying only on expensive cruise missiles, attackers could send dozens or even hundreds of low-cost drones to overwhelm air defence systems.

The same strategy is now appearing in West Asia as Iran retaliates against US and Israeli strikes.

Massive drone waves across the Gulf

According to reports, Iran has recently launched hundreds of drones across the Middle East, targeting locations linked to the United States and its allies. Some of the attacks were aimed at sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE and other regional targets.

Over the past few days alone, more than 1,000 drones were reportedly launched in coordinated waves, with many believed to be Shahed-136 drones. Air defence systems intercepted most of them, but some reached military bases and infrastructure.

These attacks have pushed several Gulf states to heighten security around critical infrastructure such as oil facilities and ports.

What makes Shahed drones dangerous

The Shahed-136 is a loitering munition, often described as a suicide or kamikaze drone. It flies toward a target using pre-programmed coordinates and explodes on impact.

The drone is relatively simple in design. It is about 3.5 metres long with a wingspan of around 2.5 metres and carries a 40–50 kilogram explosive warhead.

One of the main reasons for its growing use is cost. Compared with traditional missiles that can cost millions of dollars, Shahed drones are far cheaper, allowing attackers to launch them in large numbers.

Their slow speed also makes them difficult to intercept efficiently. Air defence systems designed to stop high-speed missiles can struggle when faced with large swarms of slower drones approaching from multiple directions.

Another distinctive feature is the loud buzzing sound produced by the drone’s engine, which has become a familiar and frightening signal in places where they are used.

A new model of warfare

The widespread use of Shahed drones highlights a broader shift in modern conflict. Countries and non-state actors increasingly rely on inexpensive drones to conduct long-range strikes.

In Ukraine, Russian forces used Shahed drones alongside missiles to exhaust air defence systems and damage power infrastructure.

Now similar tactics are appearing in West Asia, where drone swarms can target military bases, energy infrastructure and urban centres.

A weapon spreading beyond one war

Experts say the biggest concern is not just the damage caused by individual drones but the model they represent. Low-cost drones can be produced quickly, launched in large numbers and adapted by multiple actors.

The Shahed drone, once seen as a niche Iranian weapon, has now become a symbol of this shift. From Ukrainian cities to Gulf oil hubs, the same buzzing drones are increasingly shaping the future of modern warfare.