China launches DFX-50 loitering munition modeled on Iran's Shahed-136.

At the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, the Chinese company Centaur Defense Systems LLC showcased the DFX-50, a small loitering munition inspired by the Iranian Shahed-136 drone. This is not the only drone from the company inspired by the Shahed-136 design, as it also offers the larger DFX-100, also known as the GHQ-100.
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Showcased at the AAD 2024 exhibition, the Chinese DFX-50 loitering munition has a maximum takeoff weight of 16.5 kilograms and can carry a payload of up to 5 kilograms. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The DFX-50's structure incorporates composite materials and parts made from Expanded Polyolefin (EPO), aiming to make the fuselage less expensive and quicker to manufacture. According to the company, this design facilitates deployment in various operational settings. The control system has been adapted for different application scenarios, focusing on control precision and minimizing interference. It can automatically target fixed points by setting target coordinates and is equipped with an electro-optical seeker, allowing it to identify, track, and engage both stationary and moving targets within a designated area.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has a wingspan of 1.8 meters, a length of 1.6 meters, and a height of 0.3 meters. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 16.5 kilograms and can carry a payload of up to 5 kilograms. The DFX-50 is launched using an air ejection method. It cruises at a speed of 26 meters per second, has an endurance of over 120 minutes, and operates within a range exceeding 100 kilometers. It functions at a cruise altitude below 3,000 meters and can achieve a strike speed of up to 250 meters per second. These specifications indicate its suitability for missions requiring long endurance and the capability to engage various types of targets.

Centaur Defense Systems also offers a larger loitering munition inspired by the Shahed-136, known as the DFX-100 or GHQ-100. The DFX-100 is presented as a conventional remote precision-guided missile designed for cost-effective military operations. Its primary function is to conduct strikes on known targets by launching the missile early in an engagement and performing attacks at appropriate times through its long-term hover capability over mission areas. The DFX-100 can be used in both single and multiple low-cost remote launch configurations, enhancing effectiveness for strikes on targets while maintaining cost efficiency.

Inspired by the Shahed-136's design, the DFX-50 is much smaller, with a wingspan of 1.8 meters, a length of 1.6 meters, and a height of 0.3 meters. (Picture source: Centaur Defense Systems)

The DFX-100 has a wingspan of 2.9 meters and a fuselage length of 3.3 meters. It possesses a takeoff weight of 110 kilograms and can reach a flight ceiling of 3,000 meters. The system offers a cruising range of up to 1,000 kilometers, a cruising speed of 150 kilometers per hour, and can remain airborne for up to eight hours. It carries a warhead weighing 50 kilograms, with a damage range between 150 and 300 meters. The system can be prepared for deployment within 30 minutes, indicating a rapid response capability.

In military applications, the DFX-100 is said to be capable of hovering over mission areas for extended periods and is equipped with targeting systems that allow for operations beyond visual range, enabling precise strikes on predetermined stationary ground targets. It includes navigation and terminal guidance functions to ensure accurate targeting.

The DFX-100 offers multiple characteristics, such as the ability to be launched from a single UAV launcher, providing flexibility in deployment. Once the warhead is installed, it can target and engage large stationary ground targets. The system includes wireless monitoring capabilities, allowing operators to track the munition's status during missions. It is claimed to surpass the Iranian Shahed-136 in terms of performance while offering enhanced capabilities at a lower price.

Centaur Defense Systems also offers a larger loitering munition inspired by the Shahed-136, known as the DFX-100 or GHQ-100, which is presented as a conventional remote precision-guided missile. (Picture source: Centaur Defense Systems)

The Shahed-136, also known by its Russian designation Geran-2, is an Iranian-designed loitering munition that has influenced several UAV developments worldwide. In Russian service, the Geran-2 has been manufactured domestically with modifications, including the integration of Russian-made components like a GLONASS satellite navigation system. Russia and Iran agreed to manufacture these drones in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, aiming to build around 6,000 units by 2025.

The Geran-2 has a range of up to 2,500 kilometers with a 90 kg warhead, and recent upgrades have included different warhead weights and a hardened structure. Its design allows for cost-effective mass production, with each unit estimated to cost between $20,000 and $60,000, making it accessible for widespread use.

A smaller variant, the Shahed-131 or Geran-1 in Russian service, features a range of 900 kilometers and is powered by a Wankel engine, a copy of the Beijing Micropilot UAV Control System Ltd MDR-208. Carrying a 15 kg warhead, it has vertical stabilizers that extend only upwards, differing from the larger Shahed-136.

Belarus has also entered the arena of loitering munitions by starting local manufacturing of the Iranian Shahed-136 under the name "Nomad." On July 3, 2024, the Belarusian army showcased the Nomad drone during the Independence Parade in Minsk, marking its debut as part of Belarus's military arsenal. The drones were introduced as a "new domestic development," suggesting localized production potentially in collaboration with Iranian or Russian specialists.

The Belarusian army unveiled the Nomad drone during the Independence Parade in Minsk, marking its debut as part of Belarus's military arsenal. (Picture source: Russian social media)

The proliferation of drones like the Shahed-136 and its variants has prompted various countries to develop similar technologies, either through domestic production or by creating replicas for training and defense purposes. For instance, Turkish drone manufacturer Robit Technology has developed the Azab T150 and T200, considered replicas of the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones. The Azab T150 and T200 have maximum ranges of 200 kilometers and 500 kilometers, respectively, which is less than the original Shahed-136’s range. These drones can be equipped with various warheads and operate using GPS coordinates or be guided by military personnel using high-performance cameras. They have completed flight tests and are expected to undergo ammunition trials later this year.

Israeli company Smart Drones also unveiled a detailed replica of the Iranian Shahed-136 UAV, named Delta-wing RS2. This UAV replica is being produced primarily for use by the Israeli Air Force and defense companies as part of their training operations within a "Red Squadron," which simulates enemy tactics and capabilities during training exercises to enhance pilot training realism. The Delta-wing RS2, along with other UAVs like the Predator and RS-1 developed by Smart Drones, is used to test and improve air defense systems.

In Ukraine, a copy of the Shahed drone called Hupalo is being used for training air defense units. The target drone is utilized at the WeTrueGun school to train military personnel in realistic conditions, allowing them to develop their skills in detecting and engaging such targets. It is not specified whether the Hupalo replicates the exact characteristics of the Shahed-136. Training with realistic air targets enables mobile air defense groups to assess their capabilities and identify areas for improvement.

The Israeli Delta-wing RS2 is being produced primarily for use by the Israeli Air Force and defense companies as part of their training operations within a "Red Squadron." (Picture source: RC Team)