Trump Amazement by the Power of the Shahed 136 Drones

The US President said in a thought-provoking comment: "I told an American company that I want a lot of drones; in Iran, good drones are made for $35,000 to $40,000."

News ID: 86200

Date: 21 May 2025 - 14:48

TEHRAN (Defapress) - "I told an American company that I want a lot of drones; good drones are made in Iran for $35,000 to $40,000. The company came to me two weeks later and brought a drone that cost $41 million. I told them that was not what I meant. I meant a drone that would cost $35,000 to $40,000. (These drones) are very good, fast, deadly, and terrifying." These are the words that Donald Trump has spoken about the power of Iranian drones during his recent trip to the Persian Gulf countries.

This comes at a time when the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran once used labels like "edited photos" to describe Iran’s defense products. But today, the highest executive official of the United States praises Iranian drones, which demonstrates their power and unique advantages.

Reports indicate that Iranian drones have been battle-tested and, with their affordable prices, have been able to meet the expectations of arms markets. One of the drones produced by Iran’s armed forces—led by the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics and the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is the famous "Shahed-136" drone. This drone, whose kamikaze models have unique capabilities, can accurately strike targets from long distances.

This drone, which has gained a reputation in Eurozone countries today, is heavily criticized by European nations. The European Union, particularly the "Troika" countries, Germany, Britain, and France, has consistently criticized Iran’s military power, including its drone production, a stance Iran has never accepted.

Regarding the Shahed-136 drone’s features, its long-range stands out. Field reports indicate that the upgraded Shahed-136B has a range of about 4,000 kilometers, which is remarkable for its class. This kamikaze drone can strike all U.S. military bases in the region. Additionally, the military bases of the UK in Cyprus are within range of the Islamic Republic’s suicide drones.

However, Shahed drones differ significantly in price compared to their counterparts. Shahed drones are far cheaper than, for example, the Bayraktar drone, making them more appealing in the market. As Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, pointed out, the price of Iranian drones, despite their unmatched efficiencyو is only 35,000 to 40,000. In contrast, a single Bayraktar drone (a major competitor to Iran’s Shahed), along with its weaponry, costs millions of dollars, making the market for Iranian drones much hotter worldwide.

The Scientific Research website, in an article highlights the capabilities of Shahed-class drones, writing: "Drones enable world powers to strike a target with precision from long distances."

Referring to the Shahed-136’s manufacturing mechanism, the website adds: "This drone revolutionizes the concept of long-range precision strikes, meaning operations that once depended on expensive missiles and tactical aircraft can now be carried out with low-cost drones. This creates a race in weapons technology and precision."

Analysts believe that the Shahed-136, as a low-cost drone, has successfully drawn attention. After the 1980-1987 war, Iran has effectively met its defense needs with stealth kamikaze drones.

Frederik Pleitgen, a CNN correspondent, states: "Drones are just as important to Iran as missiles. One of Iran’s low-cost drones is the Shahed-136, which autonomously flies toward its target and strikes it."