Upgraded Version Shahed Drone Dives Towards the Target

Novofedorivka 17.05.2025. Shahed strike.
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The "upgraded Shahed drone" likely refers to the Shahed-238, a jet-powered version of the Shahed-136, unveiled in late 2023. The Shahed-238 offers increased speed and altitude, making it harder to intercept compared to the propeller-driven Shahed-136. It also has a nose-mounted camera for improved navigation or terminal guidance. While offering these advantages, the jet-powered version is also more expensive, complex to manufacture, has a reduced range, and a larger thermal signature, making it more vulnerable to infrared-guided missiles. Russia has also been developing other drone types, like the Gerbera and Parody decoy drones, to be used alongside Shahed-136 strikes, indicating an evolving drone warfare strategy.
Key improvements of the Shahed-238:
Increased Speed and Altitude:
Jet propulsion enables the Shahed-238 to fly faster and higher, potentially making it harder to intercept with existing anti-aircraft systems.
Improved Navigation/Guidance:
The nose-mounted camera could enhance navigation or allow for terminal guidance, leading to more accurate strikes.
More Complex and Expensive:
The jet engine and other associated components make the Shahed-238 more complex to manufacture and more expensive to produce.
Reduced Range and Increased Vulnerability:
The jet engine may have a smaller range than the propeller-driven Shahed-136, and the larger thermal signature makes it more susceptible to infrared-guided missiles.