US Military Deploys Replica of Iranian Attack Drone

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) is now operating a copy of an Iranian-designed attack drone. The US version replicates the Shaheed-136, a model Russia has also copied for use in Ukraine. CENTCOM oversees US military operations in the Middle East. The Shaheed-136 is a "loitering munition," often called a suicide or kamikaze drone. It crashes into its target and explodes. Russia produces its own versions, named Geran-1 and Geran-2. These drones have seen extensive use in attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The deployment of a US replica indicates a strategic shift. Analysts suggest it could be used for training defenses or for specialized missions where its specific flight profile is advantageous.