Iran deploys Shahed drones in Middle East conflict, some evade air defenses
Iran has deployed Shahed-136 unmanned drones in the Middle East conflict, with some evading regional air defense systems and striking civilian and military infrastructure in Kuwait and the UAE. U.S. military officials report approximately 140 troops have been wounded by drone strikes despite ongoing U.S. and Israeli operations degrading Iran's drone capabilities.
What happened
Iran has deployed numerous unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including Shahed-136 drones, launched at neighboring countries and against U.S. and Israeli targets in the Middle East conflict.
On Thursday, two of nine drones that Iran is suspected of launching evaded Kuwait's air defense systems. One drone hit a residential building in southern Kuwait, and a second caused damage at Kuwait International Airport.
The UAE's Ministry of Defense said that of more than 900 Iranian drones detected in its airspace since the start of the conflict, 65 caused damage to its hotels, ports, data centers and airports.
Reported impact
Approximately 140 U.S. troops have been wounded by one-way attack drone strikes, according to the Department of Defense.
Kuwait reported drone strikes hitting a residential building and the international airport. The UAE reported damage to hotels, ports, data centers and airports across multiple incidents.
Index analysis
Iran's use of unmanned aircraft systems has been described as a cost-effective strategy. Despite U.S. and Israeli military operations that have degraded Iran's capabilities, some drones have continued to evade regional air defense systems.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that Iran's one-way attack drone capability was down 95% and missile volume was down 90% due to ongoing U.S. and Israeli attacks.
Governance controls
U.S. and Israeli military forces report conducting air defense operations and attacks against Iranian drone and missile capabilities in the region.
Multiple countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE have deployed air defense systems to intercept suspected Iranian drones.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.