The Shahed-136 kamikaze drone got a turbojet engine instead of the piston-powered MD550 and now it won't buzz like a scooter

Iranian specialists managed to improve the Shahed-136 kamikaze drone. The unmanned aerial vehicle received a new propulsion system.

Here's What We Know

In 2022, Iran began supplying Russia with Shahed-136 and smaller Shahed-131 drones with a reduced launch range. The kamikaze drone is equipped with an MD550 piston engine, so it hums like a moped in flight.

Due to the unpleasant and loud sound, residents of the border territories of Ukraine can hear the approach of Shahed-131/136 long before the air alert is activated and hide in a shelter. However, Iran has developed a new version of the UAV.

The updated Shahed-136 is equipped with a turbojet engine. Now the UAV will not sound like a scooter during flight.

At the same time, the regular version of Shahed-136 is now launched from cars. The video shows the car accelerating, giving the kamikaze drone an initial speed. After that, the UAV launches.