Iran Waves of Cheap Drones Show Sophistication or Shortfalls

Iran’s attacks over the first day of combat have leaned heavily on drones and small-scale missile strikes, trends that could indicate either deliberate planning — or a breakdown in command and control.

Rather than sustained volleys, attacks have been intermittent, with waves of small, Shahed-136 one-way attack drones — essentially unsophisticated cruise missiles — punctuated by smaller strikes with ballistic weapons.