UAVs
Unmanned aerial vehicles used in saturation attacks across the Gulf conflict
Last refreshed: 1 April 2026
Why are cheap drones Iran's most effective weapon?
Latest on UAVs
- How many drones has Iran used?
- The UAE alone has engaged 1,914 UAVs since the conflict began, the highest volume of any weapon type.
- What drones does Iran use?
- Shahed-136 (range ~2,500 km), Shahed-131 (~900 km), and smaller tactical variants. The Shahed-136 was used extensively by Russia in Ukraine.
- How much do Iranian drones cost?
- ,000-50,000 per unit versus -3 million per interceptor missile, giving Iran an asymmetric cost advantage.
- Iran drone attacks on Kuwait?
- Iranian drones struck Kuwait International Airport fuel storage multiple times and killed one worker at a desalination plant.
Background
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been the highest-volume weapon in Iran's strike campaign, with the UAE alone engaging 1,914 drones since the conflict began. Iran uses one-way attack drones (also called loitering munitions) to saturate air defences, creating openings for ballistic and cruise missile strikes to penetrate.
Iran's drone arsenal includes the Shahed-136 (range ~2,500 km, used extensively by Russia in Ukraine), the Shahed-131 (~900 km), and smaller tactical variants. Drones struck Kuwait International Airport fuel storage, hit Prince Sultan Air Base damaging aircraft, and have been used against desalination plants, aluminium smelters, and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf.
At roughly ,000-50,000 per unit versus -3 million per interceptor missile, drones impose an asymmetric cost on defenders. The cost-exchange ratio is Iran's primary strategic advantage in a protracted conflict.