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Ukraine inspects Russia’s new Shahed-101—and finds every part is Iranian (VIDEO)
Ukrainian troops have confirmed that the newly used Shahed‑101 drone contains only Iranian-made components, according to Militarnyi. A detailed inspection of the wreckage shows that Russia has not localized or modified this model, despite deploying it more often near the frontline.
Iran built it all: electronics, power, warhead
The volunteer group ZAMPOTEKH published a video showing the wreckage of the Shahed‑101, a smaller one-way attack drone that has recently appeared in Russian attacks. A Ukrainian serviceman examining the remains is heard saying,
“This is the Shahed‑101. The guys call it the Yemeni Shahed. What’s in it? Everything is Iranian, damn it.”
Ukrainian troops inspecting the wreckage of Russia's newly used Shahed-101 say the drone hasn’t been localized in Russia and is built entirely from Iranian parts.
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) November 18, 2025
Ukrainian мolunteers published the footage: the warhead, fuzes, batteries, flight computer and control modules all… pic.twitter.com/oFSVASlfkx
According to the analysis, this middle-strike drone's warhead, detonators, batteries, flight computer, and control units all bear Iranian markings, Militarnyi says.
The drone is fitted with a four-channel CRPA antenna of Iranian origin, resembling the one used on the Gerbera decoy drones. However, this model has been modified for the cylindrical frame of the Shahed‑101. The engine is also analogous to that of the Gerbera drone, Militarnyi notes.
So far, the recovered drones have only satellite and inertial guidance to strike static targets.
The warhead, estimated to weigh around 8 kilograms, is of a shaped-charge and fragmentation type. However, video footage from the site shows that it also contains a powdered metallic substance of unknown origin, which could create an incendiary effect on detonation.