Ukrainian radio-technical systems specialist Serhiy Beskrestnov, callsign Flash, reported the new drone type and stated that the enemy is attempting to fill the need in the mass segment of medium-range strike UAVs.
It differs from the Shahed-136 (Geran-2) used in mass strikes on infrastructure: this drone is designed for covert precision strikes on military targets command posts, logistics hubs, ammunition depots rather than for area attacks.
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Among the debris, a four-channel Iranian CRPA antenna was discovered, similar to the one used on the Shahed-238-Herbera but adapted to the cylindrical body of the Shahed-101. The engine is identical to the powerplants of other Iranian tactical UAVs of this class.
The external shape of the drone is nearly identical to aircraft used by Hamas groups and captured by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza. The Shahed-101 body is designed as a high-wing configuration with a narrow torpedo-shaped fuselage, wingspan of approximately 2.2 m, and X-shaped tail surfaces.
The body is made of carbon fiber, and the propeller in some versions is made of wood or plastic, reducing radar signature. Speed is approximately 120 km/h, operational altitude is 60–150 m.
In the terminal phase of flight, the aircraft can descend to 20–30 m, significantly complicating interception. Navigation is based on a four-element CRPA antenna for satellite guidance combined with an inertial system, though the architecture allows for future upgrades.
The warhead mass is approximately 8–9 kg a shaped-charge/high-explosive warhead with a metallic powder mixture that provides additional incendiary effect and increased lethality against personnel and equipment.
The Shahed-101 represents a different approach. It is a tactical weapon for the front and near rear, not for strategic strikes. The small warhead reduces destructiveness but enhances effectiveness in precision strikes where stealth and accuracy are critical.
This drone already has combat history beyond Ukraine: since 2021, Shia groups in the Middle East have used it under the names Morad-5 or Khatif-2. Iran has also used the Shahed-101 in its own operations.
Defense Express also recently highlighted Ukraine's avenues for acquiring new weapons to counter Shaheds and other hostile drones.
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