What did the CSIS June 2026 report cover about Iran's Shahed drones?

The CSIS Missile Defense Project report systematically categorised each Shahed-series variant by mission type and operational range, drawing on multiple open-source datasets. It also flagged inconsistencies between sources, urging users to verify data reliability before citing figures.

Why do Shahed drone data figures differ across open-source databases?

CSIS noted that information transparency and data consistency remain challenges in tracking the Shahed series. Different databases record varying specifications, reflecting gaps in verified public information about Iranian UAV programmes. Researchers are advised to cross-check sources carefully.

Who is the intended audience for the CSIS Shahed drone report?

The report is aimed at defence analysts, policymakers, and journalists who need a reliable reference for the technical characteristics and tactical uses of Iran's Shahed-series drones, which have appeared frequently in multiple conflict zones in recent years.

CSIS Missile Defense Project Catalogues Iran's Shahed…

CSIS Missile Defense Project Catalogues Iran's Shahed Drone Mission Types and Ranges (June 2026)

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Missile Defense Project has released a June 2026 report systematically categorising Iran's Shahed-series drones by mission type and operational range. The report notes discrepancies across open-source datasets and urges researchers to carefully evaluate source reliability when citing figures.

20 days ago

Highlights

The CSIS Missile Defense Project published a June 2026 report systematically classifying Iran's Shahed-series UAVs by mission type and operational range.

The report identified discrepancies in specific figures recorded across multiple open-source datasets, highlighting data consistency challenges.

CSIS advises researchers and analysts to critically evaluate source reliability before citing Shahed drone specifications.

The Shahed-series has been deployed across multiple conflict zones in recent years, prompting heightened international scrutiny of Iranian UAV capabilities.

Report data is provided by the CSIS Missile Defense Project; real-time updates are available via the Drone Wars account on X.

CSIS Missile Defense Project Releases Comprehensive Shahed Drone Data

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Missile Defense Project published new research in June 2026 providing a systematic classification of Iran's Shahed-series unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), covering the primary mission types and operational ranges of each variant.

Discrepancies Found Across Open-Source Datasets

According to the CSIS research, while information on the Shahed series has been recorded across multiple open-source datasets, specific figures vary between sources — highlighting ongoing challenges around information transparency and data consistency. Researchers are advised to critically assess the reliability of each source before citing related data.

Shahed Drones Under Intense International Scrutiny

The Shahed series has appeared with increasing frequency across multiple conflict zones in recent years, drawing widespread international attention. CSIS's systematic compilation is designed to help analysts, policymakers, and journalists develop a more comprehensive understanding of the technical characteristics and tactical applications of these drones.

The report data is provided by the CSIS Missile Defense Project. For real-time updates and follow-on coverage, readers can follow the Drone Wars official account on X (formerly Twitter).