The Shahed-238 is an Iranian-origin jet-powered attack drone that Russia has deployed against Ukraine. Derived from the Shahed platform, it features a redesigned airframe and turbojet engine, with some variants equipped with cameras and networked communications. Ukraine's air defences have engaged these drones extensively.
| Country | Iran |
|---|---|
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Waypoint / GPS-guided |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Loitering munition (one-way attack) |
| Origin / supply chain | State-actor bespoke |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Range / endurance | Long range (>650 km) |
| Signature / detectability | GNSS-dependent, RF-silent – pre-programmed |
| Speed regime | High-speed / jet (>400 km/h) |
| Strike depth / operational role | Deep strike (150–3,000+ km, strategic: refineries, airfields, depots, industry), Missile-drone / cruise-drone hybrid (jet-powered, e.g. Palianytsia, Peklo) |
| Threat vector | Kinetic – loitering munition |
| Weight / class | Class II – Tactical (150–600 kg) |
| Confidence | low |