Why the US is using a cheap Iranian drone against the country itself
The US and Iran are trading blows in the Gulf with a simple drone that costs as little as $50,000 to make. But why is a slow, cheap and relatively primitive drone seeing use in 2026 alongside hypersonic missiles and stealth jets? Iran invented the relatively simple Shahed 136 attack drone, but is now fending off US copies launched against it in combat. Why, when the US military has expensive, cutting-edge and hi-tech weapons, is it making flimsy drones powered by a motorbike engine? Iranian company Shahed Aviation Industries originally designed the 136.
Mar-3-2026, 12:36:45 GMT
- Country:
- Asia
- Europe
- Germany (0.06)
- Russia (0.05)
- Ukraine (0.07)
- United Kingdom > England
- Devon > Exeter (0.05)
- Greater Manchester > Manchester (0.05)
- North America > United States
- Arizona (0.05)
- Industry:
- Technology: