Iran showcased an advanced version of Shahed-136 strike drones, equipped with a jet engine and improved guidance systems, named Shahed-238. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was presented at the Ashura Aerospace University on Nov. 20, according to Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi.

Shahed-238.

The jet-powered drone was introduced in three variants with different guidance systems. The standard model includes an autonomous guidance system with GPS integration. A second version features an infrared/optical guidance system, allowing these UAVs to be used against heat-contrast targets such as military equipment.

Another variant of the Shahed-238 is believed to possess a radar guidance system. Such a drone could target radar installations based on their EM emissions, potentially blinding enemy air defense networks.

Experts highlight that the drones are painted an unusual black color, which could be related to the use of radio-absorbing materials. The technical specifications of the Shahed-238 remain undisclosed. Analysts believe that the jet engine could provide the UAV with high speed, but this might reduce its flight range.

A source from Ukrainian intelligence agencies informed NV in October that the Russian army could be receiving about 300 units of Shahed-136 kamikaze drones monthly, some of which are manufactured in Iran.

9 Shahed drones, 1 Iskander missile downed during Russian overnight attack on Ukraine.

Russia attacked Ukraine with Shahed drones and two types of missiles in an overnight attack, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on Facebook on Nov. 21.

Air defense forces destroyed nine UAVs and an Iskander-K cruise missile.

The Russians attacked from the southeast (Primorsko-Akhtarsk - Russia) with ten Shahed attack UAVs, the Air Force said.

The Russian military also fired four S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles in the Donetsk sector and one Iskander-K ground-launched cruise missile from the Dzhankoy area (Crimea).

The Central City Hospital in Selydove, Donetsk Oblast, the building of the Kotlyarevska mine, and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged, the General Staff reported.

Mykola Lukashuk, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Council, said that the Air Defense Forces had shot down a missile over the region.

"We have good news," he wrote.

“Last night, our servicemen from the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shot down a missile that the enemy directed at the region. I am grateful to the defenders of the sky from Air Command East!”

Overnight, Russia attacked Ukraine once again. This time, the strikes threatened the northern, central, and western regions, as far as Volyn, Ternopil, and Chernivtsi oblasts.

Explosions were heard during the Russian attack in Volyn, Rivne, and Khmelnytskyi oblasts, as Ukrainian air defense was operating.