DUBAI: Sheshnag kamikaze drones took center stage at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, where India’s NewSpace Research and Technologies unveiled its latest loitering munition systems. The high-profile debut immediately drew international attention, especially after defense analysts pointed out the striking resemblance between the Sheshnag 150 and Iran’s Shahed-136 drone.
NewSpace introduced the Sheshnag 150 as its flagship system with its capabilities of long-range strikes and autonomous operations. The company describes it as a cost-effective cruise missile alternative. It offers a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. The system carries a 25 to 40 kilogram payload.
Sheshnag Kamikaze Drones and the Shahed-136 Comparison
Engineers equipped the Sheshnag 150 with a delta wing design to enhance endurance and improve high-speed performance. According to representatives, this drone can stay aloft for five hours. The drone also features autonomous navigation and swarm capability. Multiple units can operate together in coordinated attacks. This helps the drone to be efficient against high-value targets, which may include command posts and air defenses.
Defense analysts at the exhibition noted that the Sheshnag 150 closely resembles Iran’s Shahed-136 loitering munition, widely deployed in recent regional conflicts. However, the company positioned the system as a next-generation platform capable of competing with both the Shahed-136 and Israel’s Harop drone.
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Similar to the larger variant, NewSpace also introduced the Sheshnag 20—the smaller, electrically operated loitering ammunition variant. Like the Sheshnag 150, the primary aim of the Sheshnag 20 is to function as a tactical warfare system. Unlike the larger variant, the Sheshnag 20 launches from a canister, allowing rapid deployment from ground units.
The range of the unmanned aircraft is 30 kilometers. It has the ability to stay airborne for approximately an hour. Its wingspan is two meters, and the highest takeoff weight of the unmanned aerial vehicle is 20 kilograms. The unmanned aerial vehicle has the ability to carry a five-kilogram warhead. The engineers have equipped the unmanned aerial vehicle with an electro-optic sensor and an infrared sensor. These unmanned aerial vehicle sensors have the ability to function in real-time.
The Sheshnag 20 uses an electric propulsion system. It reaches speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour and operates at altitudes of 6,000 meters. Its imaging systems help forces conduct strike missions with real-time situational awareness.
The Sheshnag series marks another step in India’s push to strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities. Rising geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global defense procurement. The Sheshnag 150 and Sheshnag 20 highlight India’s ambition to lead in unmanned combat systems.
As global demand for precision-guided loitering munitions continues to rise, Sheshnag kamikaze drones could play a key role in future defense partnerships and export strategies, positioning India as a growing player in next-generation unmanned warfare systems.
