Forbes: Iran’s Shahed drones challenge US defences across Middle East

A recent analysis by Forbes contributing journalist David Hambling warns that Iran’s Shahed-type drones have become a significant and persistent threat to U.S. forces and regional infrastructure across the Middle East.

In his report, Hambling wrote that recent attacks attributed to Iranian drones illustrate their growing impact. These include a strike on the U.S. Fifth Fleet base in Manama that reportedly caused a major fire, a fatal attack on a U.S. Army logistics camp in Kuwait City, and direct hits on U.S. embassy facilities in Riyadh and Kuwait. The base in Bahrain was struck multiple times.

Hambling explained that, unlike ballistic missiles, Shahed drones require minimal infrastructure and can be assembled in simple facilities and launched from improvised platforms such as pickup trucks. This, he noted, allows Iran to potentially sustain production and launches for a long period, meaning U.S. forces may face such drone attacks for the foreseeable future.

The analysis also highlighted an incident in which an Iranian drone struck the AN/FPS-132 early warning radar system in Qatar — a ballistic missile tracking installation valued at about $1.1 billion. According to Hambling, Iranian drones have also begun targeting vulnerable oil and gas facilities across the region.

The Shahed-136 drone, he wrote, has a wingspan of roughly seven feet, cruises at around 120 miles per hour and carries a warhead of about 90 pounds. Although this payload is far smaller than that of cruise missiles such as the Tomahawk cruise missile, its precision allows it to cause significant damage if it strikes critical targets.

Hambling noted that while individual drones can usually be intercepted, the challenge lies in their large numbers and low cost. Interceptors such as the Patriot missile system and the U.S. Navy’s Standard Missile are effective but expensive and limited in supply. By contrast, Shahed-type drones can reportedly be produced for around $35,000 each, allowing large-scale launches that strain air defence systems.

The journalist also pointed out that the main obstacle to improvised drone production is sophisticated electronics, particularly jam-resistant satellite navigation systems. However, he said Iran and Russia have historically sourced such components through foreign suppliers or smuggling networks. One drone that crashed in Cyprus was found to contain satellite navigation modules from Irish company Taoglas, similar to designs identified in drones used in Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian intelligence cited in the analysis, many Shahed drones used by Russia are assembled largely from Western-made components, including flight controllers and navigation systems.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is prepared to share its experience in defending against Shahed drones with countries in the Middle East, provided they support efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.

We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against "shaheds" in the Middle East region. I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security. Ukraine helps…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 5, 2026

As reported by Reuters, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had received a request from the United States for assistance in countering Shahed drones in the region and had instructed officials to provide the necessary resources and specialists. Ukrainian experts could begin work in the coming days to help protect American facilities, he added.

By Sabina Mammadli