History of Shahed drones in Timeline
Shahed drones are Iranian-designed unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and loitering munitions produced by Shahed Aviation Industries. They are manufactured in both Iran and Russia, with the Russian version based on Iranian designs. Notably, Russian forces have deployed Shahed drones against Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian war, highlighting their use in modern warfare.
2 hours ago : Ukraine downs Shahed drones, seeks Gulf aid and security cooperation.
Ukraine reported shooting down Shahed drones and engaged in security talks with Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Gulf countries offered Kyiv fuel aid for anti-drone efforts.
December 2011: Iran Seizes American RQ-170 Sentinel UAV
On 5 December 2011, the Iranian government seized an American Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel UAV. Iran's cyberwarfare unit commandeered and brought the UAV down. Shahed Aviation Industries reverse-engineered the American UAV and used the knowledge to develop the Shahed 171 Simorgh and Shahed 191 Saeqeh.
2011: Seizure of American Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel UAV by Iran
In 2011, Iran seized an American Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel UAV and subsequently reverse-engineered it.
2014: Previous Security Breach Before Shahed 121 Overflight
Prior to the Shahed 121 overflight in 2016, the last similar security breach involving a drone overflying a US Navy ship occurred in 2014.
October 2016: First Revelation of the Shahed 191
The Shahed 191, also called the Shahed Saeqeh, was first revealed at an Iranian arms expo in October 2016.
2017: Shahed 129 and Shahed Saeqeh as Backbone of UAV Fleet
As of 2017, the Shahed 129 and Shahed Saeqeh are expected to form the backbone of Iran's high-end UAV fleet for at least the next decade.
2020: Denial of PBS Supplying Engines for Iranian Drones
In 2020, a UN panel of experts confirmed that engines used in Iranian drones are not products of PBS, a Czech engine manufacturer. The company highlighted that such claims are part of deliberate efforts to damage PBS's credibility, as it actively supplies engines for Ukraine's defense.
May 2021: Unveiling of Shahed 149 Gaza
The Shahed 149 Gaza was unveiled on 21 May 2021 and named after the Gaza Strip in honor of Palestinians' struggle amid the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis.
September 2022: First Appearance of HESA Shahed 136
The HESA Shahed 136, also known as the Geran-2 in Russian service, first appeared on 13 September 2022, when photos of drone remains used by Russian forces during the invasion of Ukraine were publicly released. The wings were inscribed with "M412 Герань-2" ("M412 Geran-2" in Russian) to disguise the drone and conceal Iran's part in the invasion of Ukraine.
October 2022: Use of Drones in Missile Strikes on Kyiv
In October 2022, drones were used in missile strikes on Kyiv.
October 2022: Russian Attack on Kyiv Using Iranian Shahed 136 Drones
On 17 October 2022, Russia used Iranian Shahed 136 drones in an attack on Kyiv, during which four civilians were killed, including one woman who was six months pregnant.
October 2022: Shahed 131's Prominence in the Russo-Ukrainian War
The Shahed 131, also called Geran-1 in Russian service, gained prominence in October 2022 during the Russo-Ukrainian war.
2022: Deployment of Shahed Drones in Russo-Ukrainian War
In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, both Iranian and Russian variants of Shahed drones were deployed by Russian forces against Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian war.
May 2023: Russian Attack Using Iranian Drones
On 28 May 2023, another Russian attack using Iranian drones took place. Ukraine said it shot down all but one of the drones, but one person was killed.
June 2023: US Intelligence Finding on Iranian Material Supply
In June 2023, a U.S. intelligence finding released by the White House reported that Iran was supplying Russia with materials to construct a drone manufacturing plant.
September 2023: Revelation of New Shahed 136 Variant
In September 2023, a trailer for an Iranian state TV documentary revealed a new version of the Shahed 136 powered by a jet engine.
September 2023: US Accusation of Iranian Drone Supply to Russia
In September 2023, during the seventy-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly, the United States accused Iran of supplying Russia with drones during the Russian invasion of Ukraine and aiding Russia in the development of a drone production plant. Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi denied the allegations, stating, "We are against the war in Ukraine."
November 2023: Public Unveiling of Shahed 238
In November 2023, the Shahed 238 was publicly unveiled during an aerospace achievement exhibition organized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, attended by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
November 2023: Revelation of the Shahed 147
The Shahed 147 was revealed during the 19 November 2023 Iranian Aerospace Force Exhibition, attended by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
2023: Russian Purchase of Shahed 136s
In 2023, Russia purchased 6,000 Shahed 136s for US$193,000 each, according to leaked emails and documents.
January 2024: Revelation of Shahed 107 Loitering Munition
In January 2024, the Shahed 107 was revealed to Sky News by an anonymous security source. It was described as a loitering munition with possible reconnaissance technologies. Iran had offered "a few units" to Russia in a deal worth more than US$2 million.
February 2024: Leaked Documents Reveal Russian Drone Purchases
In February 2024, additional document evidence was leaked, revealing Russia's purchases of drones and an arrangement for Iran to assist Russia in developing a manufacturing facility, both purchased for a total of US$1.75 billion, paid in gold ingots.
April 2024: Increased Unit Production Cost of Geran-2 Drones
As of April 2024, Russia has upgraded the Geran-2 drones over several iterations and has consequently increased the unit production cost to around US$80,000.
June 2025: Wreckage of Geran-3 Found in Ukraine
In June 2025, wreckage of a Geran-3 was found in Ukraine, with a serial number indicating that small-scale production had begun. Reportedly, the drone reached a top speed of 600 km/h during a demonstration flight.
November 2025: South Africa Investigates Coercion of Citizens into Drone Assembly
In November 2025, South Africa opened an investigation and issued a warning to its citizens after Russia was accused of making false promises to young women across Africa to coerce them into traveling to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone to assemble Shahed drones.
2025: Russia's Target for UCAV Production by Summer 2025
Russia aims to build 6,000 UCAVs by summer 2025 at a rate of 310 drones per month if the Yelabuga drone factory operates 24 hours a day.
January 2026: Russia Deploys New Jet-Powered Drone Geran-5
On 11 January 2026, Russia deployed a new jet-powered drone called the Geran-5, with a 90-kilogram warhead, 1000-kilometer strike range, and the ability to be launched in flight by Su-25 aircraft according to HUR.
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