This drone has become one of the symbols of modern warfare. It is actively used by Russia to strike at critical infrastructure in Ukraine and poses a serious threat due to its long range and mass use. What is a “moped”, what are its features and how to fight it – we will understand in more detail together with WomanEL.
Content Why is the Shahed-136 drone called a “moped”? Main characteristics of the Shahed-136 How is the Shahed-136 used in war? How is Ukraine fighting the Shahed-136? 
What is a moped: features of the Shahed-136 drone and its combat use. Source: pinterest.com
Why is the Shahed-136 drone called a “moped”?
War always gives rise to new terms and slang expressions. One of them is “moped” – that’s what the Ukrainian military calls the Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone. Why? It’s because of the characteristic sound of the engine, which resembles a motorcycle or moped going at top speed.
The Shahed-136 is not just a drone – it is a weapon designed to destroy targets by self-destruction. Its active use by Russia against Ukraine has made this drone a symbol of aerial terror, but at the same time motivated the Ukrainian air defense to develop effective countermeasures.
Main characteristics of Shahed-136
The Shahed-136 is an Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used as a suicide drone. Its mission is not just reconnaissance, but direct destruction of targets with an explosive warhead.
Main parameters:
• Length: about 3.5 m.
• Wingspan: up to 2.5 m.
• Weight: approximately 200 kg.
• Warhead: 40-50 kg of explosives.
• Flight range: up to 2500 km.
• Speed: 180-200 km/h.
• Engine: gasoline, which creates a characteristic noise.
It is this roaring engine that has given the drone the nickname “moped.” During an attack, it can be heard long before it is hit, allowing Ukrainian defenders to react in time.
How is Shahed-136 used in war?
The Russian army is actively using these drones to attack critical infrastructure in Ukraine:
• Energy facilities – power plants, substations, transformers.
• Residential buildings and civil structures – to sow panic among the population.
• Military targets – ammunition depots, headquarters, equipment.
The main tactic for using the Shahed-136 is massive attacks, when several drones are launched at once to overload the air defense system.
Shahed-136 or “moped” is a powerful threat. Source: pinterest.com
How is Ukraine fighting Shahed-136?
Despite the significant threat, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian air defense system have learned to effectively counter these drones. The main methods of combat are:
• Anti-aircraft systems – such as Gepard, IRIS-T, NASAMS, Patriot, which effectively destroy drones on approach.
• Man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems (MANPADS) – such as the Stinger, which can shoot down the Shahed-136 at medium ranges.
• Mobile air defense groups – armed with large-caliber machine guns or automatic cannons, operating in cities and on the front lines.
• EW (electronic warfare) – modern systems can jam signals and cause drones to go off course.
• Improvised means – firing from machine guns and assault rifles, which has also proven effective in many cases.
According to official data, the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroy over 80% of launched Shahed-136s, which is one of the best indicators in the world.
The Shahed-136 or “moped” is a powerful threat that has forced Ukraine to adapt its air defense system. Although these drones are used for terror, their effectiveness is significantly reduced by the coordinated actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The more modern weapons Ukraine receives, the smaller the threat from the Shahed-136 becomes. Ukrainians are not just learning to destroy these drones – they are doing it so successfully that Russia is forced to change tactics. In the meantime, if you hear the characteristic sound of a “moped” in the sky – know that Ukrainian air defense is already waiting for it.
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