On April 14, Iran attempted to launch an attack on the State of Israel using 185 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), 36 cruise missiles, and 110 ballistic missiles. However, their efforts were largely unsuccessful, with only 1% of the launched means hitting their targets. This failure was attributed to Israel’s multi-layered defense systems, fighter jets, and other military capabilities, which were utilized in coordination with partners such as the USA, the UK, and Jordan.
While Iranian-made UAVs have been noted for their effectiveness in other conflicts, their performance against Western defense systems like those of Israel has been less impressive. Despite this, the affordability of Iranian UAVs compared to Western alternatives remains a driving factor for some countries. Iranian drones such as the Shahad 136 are often chosen for their lower cost even though they may not match the quality of more expensive options like the Haroop.
Countries considering Iranian-made UAVs typically do not view them as a threat to advanced adversaries like the US and Israel. However, the recent attack on Israel by Iranian-backed forces showcased the limitations of these drones against sophisticated defenses. Despite this limitation, Iran’s supply of drones to various conflict zones such as Sudan highlights their strategic partnerships and influence in regional conflicts.
Iran’s decentralized approach to UAV production makes it challenging to disrupt their supply chains. Despite international efforts to monitor and regulate Iranian drone exports, Iran continues to find new markets for its UAVs. The collaboration between Iran and other countries such as Venezuela and Tajikistan demonstrates the complex nature of global arms trade and blurred lines between allies and adversaries.
In conclusion, Iran’s use of UAVs in conflicts such as the recent Sudanese civil war showcases how drones are increasingly becoming a part of modern warfare landscapes worldwide. The affordability and accessibility of Iranian-made drones make them attractive options for countries facing security challenges despite their limitations in high-intensity conflicts. These developments underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and regulation of drone technology to prevent its misuse in regional conflicts.
