Jet-powered variant of the Shahed loitering munition family with increased speed and extended range. Incorporates upgraded navigation systems and reduced radar cross-section.
The Shahed-238 addresses the primary vulnerability of its predecessor by replacing the piston engine with a jet turbine, significantly increasing speed and making interception more difficult. The upgraded navigation suite incorporates satellite and inertial guidance with terminal electro-optical homing for improved accuracy against point targets. Its reduced acoustic signature eliminates the warning time that earlier Shahed models provided to targeted populations.
Debuted operationally against Ukraine 2023–2024
As with Shahed-136, no direct Western equity exposure exists. Elbit Systems (ESLT) and Rafael benefit from demand for counter-UAS systems created by the Shahed family's proliferation.