In a significant display of international concern, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski recently presented an Iranian-made Shahed-136 attack drone to the British Parliament. The drone, which has become a primary weapon in Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, has sparked alarm among NATO countries due to its potential to disrupt European airspace and critical infrastructure.
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The Shahed-136, a delta-wing loitering munition, is capable of carrying an explosive payload of up to 110 pounds and can strike targets up to 1,550 miles away. Known in Russia as the Geran-2, this relatively inexpensive drone, costing approximately $20,000 each, allows Russia to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses with sheer numbers. Since its deployment, Russia has launched over 38,000 Shahed drones against Ukraine, with more than 5,000 attacks recorded in just one month—September 2025 alone.
Sikorski, addressing the UK Parliament at an event hosted by the United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), highlighted the role of these drones in the Kremlin’s efforts to terrorize Ukrainian civilians and disrupt critical infrastructure. He also pointed to the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones, emphasizing the growing security risks for NATO countries.
“A drone cannot reach London, but a fleet of scrap metal can destroy critical infrastructure,” Sikorski warned. “Only together can we triumph.”
This display comes as part of a broader effort to showcase the escalating threat posed by the Iranian-made Shahed drones, which have become a symbol of the growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran. MPs in the UK, including Tom Tugendhat, have expressed concern that the drone’s deployment threatens European security well beyond Ukraine. Tugendhat, speaking alongside the captured Shahed drone in Parliament, noted, “This drone is a stark reminder that the Iranian regime’s partnership with Russia threatens European security.”
The drone’s strategic importance to Russia lies in its cost-effectiveness. With mass production of the Shahed drones, Russia can carry out large-scale attacks that bypass Ukraine’s defense systems, which are already stretched thin. The low-cost Shaheds are often used alongside more expensive cruise and ballistic missiles, allowing Russia to conserve valuable high-cost missiles for high-priority targets.
In response to the growing drone threat, NATO countries are stepping up their efforts to develop countermeasures. The UK has announced the launch of Project Octopus, a joint UK-Ukraine initiative aimed at manufacturing 2,000 interceptor drones monthly. These interceptor drones, designed to physically collide with incoming Shaheds, will provide a scalable and cost-effective solution to counter the overwhelming numbers of low-cost drones.
While Ukraine has successfully intercepted nearly 90% of Shahed attacks using a combination of mobile fire teams and electronic warfare, the sheer volume of these drone incursions continues to pose a significant challenge to air defense systems. The development of interceptor drones is seen as a critical step toward balancing the cost disparity in drone warfare, as it provides a cheaper alternative to million-dollar missile interceptors.
The increasing use of Shahed drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has sparked renewed discussions about the security risks for NATO members, especially in Eastern Europe. With Poland and other neighboring countries on high alert, the importance of a coordinated response to this emerging threat cannot be overstated. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community must prioritize collaboration and innovation to mitigate the risks posed by this new form of warfare.
In conclusion, the growing use of Shahed drones underscores the shifting landscape of modern warfare, where low-cost, mass-produced weapons are reshaping military strategies and security concerns. As NATO and its allies work to address this challenge, the need for advanced countermeasures and stronger international cooperation has never been more critical.
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