Iran is reportedly sitting on a staggering stockpile of up to 80,000 Shahed drones, according to Defence Security Asia, signaling a major shift toward industrial-scale drone attrition warfare. Analysts warn Iran’s factories may be producing as many as 400 Shahed drones per day, allowing Tehran to overwhelm even advanced air defense systems through sheer volume. The Shahed-136’s long range, low cost, and heavy warhead make it a powerful tool for sustained pressure without relying on ballistic missiles. Experts say this capability could devastate energy infrastructure, ports, and power grids across the region. The revelation comes as U.S.–Iran tensions intensify, with Tehran threatening to shut the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for nearly 20% of global oil trade, in response to any military strike.
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