Bulgarian Defense Company Samel-90 Launches Full Production of its SAMJET Kamikaze Drone.

The Bulgarian defense company Samel-90 has begun full-rate production of its latest loitering munition or kamikaze drone, the SAMJET, which bears a strong resemblance to the Iranian-made Shahed-136. This development comes amid increasing global demand for loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze or suicide drones, which have proven highly effective in recent conflicts, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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The SAMJET is a new loitering munition or kamikaze drone fully designed and developed by the Bulgarian defense company Samel-90. (Picture source: Samel-90)

Samel-90, a long-established player in the Bulgarian defense industry, has expanded its portfolio to include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with the introduction of the SAMJET. The company, which has a history dating back to the 1960s, is known for producing electronic warfare systems, communication technologies, and other military equipment. The SAMJET marks a significant step for Samel-90 as it adapts to the growing importance of drones in modern warfare.

The SAMJET drone, developed by Samel-90, features a design that is strikingly similar to the Shahed-136, a well-known loitering munition. Both drones share a distinctive delta-wing configuration, giving them a compact and aerodynamic profile that is efficient for high-speed flight and provides stability in the air. This design also contributes to their low radar visibility, making them more challenging to detect and intercept.

The fuselage of the SAMJET, like the Shahed-136, is streamlined and compact, housing essential components such as guidance systems, explosives, and fuel. Both drones are constructed from lightweight materials, optimizing their speed and range while maintaining a low profile in the air.

At the rear of the SAMJET, a pusher-type propeller is powered by a small engine, similar to the setup on the Shahed-136. This rear-mounted propulsion system allows the drone to reach significant speeds and enhances its maneuverability during flight. The overall design of the SAMJET, mirroring the Shahed-136, is intended for effective, high-speed, and precise attacks, making it a formidable asset in modern warfare.

The SAMJET is designed for ease of use and rapid deployment. One of its key features is its fully autonomous takeoff capability, assisted by rocket engines, which eliminates the need for assembly or complex preparations before launch. This makes the SAMJET particularly well-suited for fast-paced combat situations.

The drone is capable of carrying up to 5 kg of payload, with options for cumulative and thermobaric warheads, enabling it to deliver powerful and precise strikes. It can reach speeds between 120 km/h and 250 km/h, making it one of the fastest drones of its kind, and it can stay airborne for 60 to 120 minutes, depending on mission requirements.

During the flight, the SAMJET's position is tracked and displayed on a map, and a forward-facing camera provides a live video feed. This camera is stabilized on three axes and can be controlled for movement and zoom, allowing the operator to identify and confirm targets before initiating the final attack. This capability ensures high precision and effectiveness, reducing the likelihood of collateral damage.

The introduction of the SAMJET by Samel-90 reflects broader trends in the global defense industry, where loitering munitions are becoming increasingly central to military strategy. The SAMJET, with its speed, endurance, and precision targeting, is expected to be a valuable asset for armed forces looking to enhance their capabilities with advanced drone technology. Samel-90's move into this area underscores its commitment to innovation and its responsiveness to the evolving needs of modern warfare.