Belarus starts local manufacturing of Iranian Shahed-136 drones as Nomad.

On July 3, 2024, the Belarusian army showcased for the first time the Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone as part of its arsenal during the Independence Parade in Minsk. This event marked the 80th anniversary of Belarus' liberation from Nazi occupation. These drones, referred to as Geran-2 in Russian nomenclature, were introduced as a "new domestic development" in Belarus, now named Nomad.
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These Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, referred to as Geran-2 in Russian nomenclature, were introduced as a "new domestic development" in Belarus, now named Nomad. (Picture source: Russian social media)

The Independence Day parade in Minsk featured over 6,000 participants, including servicemen from Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The event displayed more than 300 units of military equipment, including the first appearance of Russian-origin Iskander-M systems. The presence of radiation hazard signs on the Iskander systems indicated Belarus' potential possession of non-strategic nuclear weapons or the systems' capability to use nuclear missiles.

Since 2016, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has aimed to update the country's military capabilities, expressing interest in the Iskander-M systems. In June 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that these missile systems, including both conventional and nuclear-capable versions, would be transferred to Belarus. The transfer process began later that year, with the first systems officially handed over to Belarus by April 2023.

During the parade, at least four Geran-2/Shahed-136/Nomad loitering munitions were transported on SUVs, indicating Belarus' ability to ensure the Nomad's mobility and deployment readiness. Belarus had previously sought to purchase ready-made drones from Iran and acquire the technology for domestic UAV production. The announcer's reference to these drones as "Geran-2" and a "new domestic development" suggests possible localized production in collaboration with Iranian or Russian specialists.

The parade included the first appearance of Russian-origin Iskander-M systems, and the presence of radiation hazard signs on the Iskander systems indicated Belarus' potential possession of non-strategic nuclear weapons or the systems' capability to use nuclear missiles. (Picture source: Russian social media)

The Shahed-136, known as Geran-2 in Russian service, is an Iranian-designed loitering munition developed by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA). It is designed for precision attacks on ground targets, featuring a delta-wing shape with a length of 3.5 meters and a wingspan of 2.5 meters. The drone is powered by a Mado MD550 piston engine, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 185 km/h and an operational range of up to 2,500 kilometers.

A notable characteristic of the Shahed-136 is its affordability, with each unit costing between $20,000 and $60,000. This cost range makes it accessible for Iran and its allies, including Russia, which has renamed it Geran-2 for use in Ukraine. The drone is launched using a rocket-assisted takeoff system, with its piston engine taking over post-launch. It carries a warhead of approximately 40 kilograms and is capable of evading air defenses by launching in swarms.

The Shahed-136 has been used in various conflicts, such as the Yemeni Civil War and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Wreckage parts indicate that its design incorporates components from several countries, including the United States, China, and Switzerland, showing Iran's ability to bypass sanctions and produce effective military hardware. Despite its basic technology, the drone's role in overwhelming enemy defenses and its application in modern asymmetric warfare underscore its strategic value to Iran and its partners.

A notable characteristic of the Shahed-136 is its affordability, with each unit costing between $20,000 and $60,000. This cost range makes it accessible for Iran and its allies, including Russia, which has renamed it Geran-2 for use in Ukraine. (Picture source: Russian social media)