On July 11, Hezbollah launched an attack on the Kabri area using suicide UAVs. Based on fragments of one of the UAVs discovered in the vicinity, it is obvious that it is not an Ababil T (Mersad 2) UAV, which is commonly used by Hezbollah and has been clearly recognized in recent months in this configuration.
Has Hezbollah began using Shahed 101 suicide UAVs against Israel?
The design of the body and wings suggests that this is a Shahed 101 UAV with an electric motor. This UAV, which originated in Iran, is used by Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shiite militias in Iraq (in Iraq, it is known as Morad 5 and in Yemen as Khatf 2), and it is available in a standard form with a basic piston engine. However, in recent months, several documentations have surfaced indicating the electric version of this UAV.
The Shahed 101 UAV has an estimated flight range of 800-900 kilometers and can carry a warhead weighing at least 10 kg. Iran and Russia are reported to have collaborated over the last two years to increase the capabilities and performance of the numerous UAVs in their possession. According to some accounts, some versions may have been equipped with an electro-optical system, allowing the UAV to send photos to the operator in real-time. It is likely that as a result of these improvements, range and carrying capacity have been enhanced.
Regarding the version fitted with an electric motor, we still need more trustworthy information to refer to the UAV’s capabilities.
The major advantage of employing an electric motor is a reduced acoustic signature and, to some extent, a reduction in heat signature. These are intended to make it harder to detect and intercept the UAV upon launch.
