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US Iran War: How did drones become Iran’s strength after missiles? Wreaking havoc from Qatar to Saudi-Dubai
Sanjeev Kumar | March 3, 2026 12:24 AM CST

US Iran War: How did drones become Iran's strength after missiles? Wreaking havoc from Qatar to Saudi-Dubai

Iran has created a sensation by attacking Dubai with the power of its drones. Defense experts are also surprised that when and how did Iran, famous for its missile power, become so powerful in drones? The air distance from Iran's capital Tehran to UAE's major city Dubai is about 1200 kilometers. The air journey from Tehran to Dubai takes about two and a quarter hours. Many drones sent from Iran did their full work. Not only this, Iran's drones are wreaking havoc from Qatar to Saudi.

The Supreme Leader of Iran has been killed in the Israel-American attack on Iran. There is a scene of devastation all around. In such a situation, Iran is not sitting silent. He is also continuously attacking. At this time, Iran's army has become so aggressive that it continuously attacked American military bases present in many Muslim countries of the Gulf.

In such a situation, the question is, how did drones become Iran's strength after missiles? Which drones can reach Dubai and what are their features? Which drones are being used in the war?

How did drones become Iran's strength?

Iran has already been known for its missile power, but in the last few years, drones have also become a big part of its strategy. The biggest reason for this is the difference between cost and effect. Making and operating a missile is a very expensive deal. Drones become relatively cheap. Drones can also do long-term surveillance at low cost. If necessary, we can also attack.

Iran has been facing many sanctions for a long time. Due to this, it has become very difficult for it to import modern fighter aircraft and big engines. In such a situation, Iran chose such technology which could be made domestically. Drones get the job done with small engines, simple structures, and inexpensive electronics. This is the reason why Iran made drones. Drones exhaust the enemy's air defense. They show more targets on radar. They fly at low altitude. They come from different directions. Then missiles come from behind. In this way the pressure on the defense system increases.

How did the Iranian drone prove its power till Dubai?

It has been claimed in the news that Shahed class loitering munition drones were seen in the sky of Dubai. Some reports also said that a drone targeted some area of ​​the city. Such incidents give two messages. First, the message of distance and accessibility, second, psychological pressure. When people hear the sound or see a drone, fear spreads rapidly.

Which drones are in discussion?

A discussion of some of the major drones of Iran is available below. Every drone is made for different purpose.Shahed series is the most popular drone series of Iran. It also comes with loitering munitions. Some big combat drones also come in this.

  • Shahed-136: It is considered a cheap and widely used drone. According to the report, its range is said to be around two to two and a half thousand kilometers. It can carry about 40 to 50 kg of explosives. Its average speed is said to be around 180 to 200 km per hour. It can fly at low altitude. Its radar signature is small. It has a simple piston propulsion system. Many people describe the sound of its engine as frightening. It can also be sent in groups. When they come in swarms, it becomes costly and difficult to stop them.

    Shahed 136 Drone

    Shahed-136 drone.

  • Shahed-131: Shahed is considered a smaller version of 136. The objective is the same. That is, cheap, capable of performing a one-time attack.
  • Shahed-238: In some reports it is considered to be jet-powered. Its purpose may be to increase speed. It is more difficult to stop it.

    Mohajer 10 Drones

    Mohajer series drone.

  • Mohajer Series: This series is available in more tactical and multi-purpose category. Whenever this category is discussed, the name of Mohajer-6 comes up. It can keep surveillance and can also carry weapons if needed. Such drones are useful in border areas and proxy networks.

    Ababil Drone

    Ababeel series drone.

  • Swallow Series: This is considered to be an old and widespread series of Iran. It is used for reconnaissance, target identification and in some variants, strike. Its different models have been getting upgraded with time.
  • Arsh: Some Iranian loitering drones are known for long-range claims. Their objective is to carry out cheap attacks on distant targets. They also keep the air defense busy.

Iran also has big drones

Iran has also developed some big drones. Their job is to stay in the air for a long time. They keep an eye on the area. They can carry weapons. They are used in a slow but continuous fighting style.

What are the main features of these drones?

  • Low cost, high impact: If drones are cheap the number can be increased. The enemy has to spend expensive interceptors to shoot them down. This gives advantage in cost-exchange.
  • Low-altitude flight: Many drones fly at very low altitudes. Due to this the radar has difficulty in catching them. Mountains, buildings, and landforms also help.
  • Swarm and Saturation: If many drones are sent simultaneously, the load on the defense system increases. Some drones will also fallBut some goals can be reached.
  • Psychological Effects: The sound of drones, slow motion, and sudden appearance increase fear. It also creates tension in civilian areas. Also puts pressure on military bases.
  • Flexible Usage: Drones also do surveillance. They give the photo and location of the target. Then missiles or other weapons hit the same target. In this way it accelerates the kill chain.

Which drones are being used in the war?

Two types of Iranian drones are most commonly seen in today's conflicts. First, loitering munitions i.e. single-use attack drones like Shahed-136. These are used to apply pressure from a distance. Second, platforms like surveillance and armed drones i.e. Mohajer-6. They find the target first. Then help in attack or guidance. The impact of Iran's drone technology was not limited to its own operations only. Its allied groups in the area have also been using drones. In some cases, Iranian designs or technology reached other war zones.

How did Iran become powerful in drones with missiles?

Iran decided to mass produce drones. Low price and simple design increase production. This creates a sustainable strategy in war. In a recent report, IRGC has shown the Shahed drone tunnel network. Underground network means secure storage. Preparations may also be made for underground launch. This makes enemy surveillance and pre-emptive strikes difficult. This increases surprise and shows continued launch potential. Iran learned to combine different weapons in a single operation. Drones are sent first. They engage radar and defense. Then come the missiles. This can increase the chances of success.

In this way, we can understand that Iran chose drones because it is a cheap, scalable, and versatile weapon. When combined with missiles it becomes more effective. Loitering drones like Shahed provide long-range pressure at low cost. Drones like Mohajer and Ababil increase surveillance and accuracy. A system like tunnel network indicates sustainable operation. This is the reason why today in Iran's military identity, drones are seen not after missiles, but on an equal basis with missiles.


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