05.03.2026 17:04
Iran's Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, which cost between $20,000 and $50,000, are forcing U.S. allies in the Gulf to use millions of dollars' worth of interceptor missiles, raising warnings that their defense systems could quickly run out. It is reported that, in response to the increasing effectiveness of the Shahed-136, the U.S. has also developed a similar system through reverse engineering and used it against Iranian targets for the first time over the weekend.
Iran's Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drones are forcing U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf to use high-cost air defense systems. Experts say this situation is rapidly increasing defense costs in the region.
COSTING 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS BUT...
The production cost of Shahed-136 drones is reported to range between 20 thousand and 50 thousand dollars. In contrast, the cost of the intercepting missiles used to shoot down these drones is stated to be between 3 million and 12 million dollars.
OVER A THOUSAND DRONES DETECTED
Officials from the United Arab Emirates announced that 941 Iranian drones have been detected since the start of the war. It was reported that 65 of these drones entered the country's territory and caused damage at ports, airports, hotels, and data centers. U.S. officials stated that Iran has launched more than 2,000 drones to date.
WARNING THAT STOCKS MAY RUN OUT
Defense experts express that Iran has a large stock of drones and can produce hundreds of new vehicles every week. This situation is said to increase the risk of missile defense systems used in Gulf countries running out quickly. Additionally, it is assessed that if Iran-aligned groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis also participate in the attacks, multi-front assaults could deplete defense stocks in a short time.
THE U.S. HAS ALSO DEVELOPED A SIMILAR SYSTEM
Experts say the difference between low-cost drones and high-cost defense systems gives Iran a strategic advantage. With the increasing effectiveness of the Shahed-136 system, it is reported that the U.S. has also developed a similar system through reverse engineering and used it against Iranian targets for the first time over the weekend.