The New York Times has published a detailed report outlining, through figures and data, how Iran is using low cost drones to carry out precise attacks on American bases across the region, while US defence systems require vastly more expensive interceptors to shoot them down.
The report highlights the economic challenge facing the United States and its allies as they attempt to counter Iranian drone attacks, despite maintaining air superiority over Iranian airspace.
According to the report, the mathematical equation is not favourable for Washington in the long term. The cost of intercepting an Iranian drone can be many times higher than the cost of producing it.
Since the outbreak of the war last Saturday, Iran has reportedly launched more than 2000 so called “suicide drones” within a short period of time. Some of these drones have succeeded in reaching their targets despite advanced air defence systems that cost billions of dollars.
Arthur Erickson, chief executive of the American drone manufacturer Hylio, told the newspaper that the cost imbalance is clear.
“It is certainly more expensive to shoot down a drone than to launch one. This is a financial game, and the cost ratio for each interception may reach 10 to 1, and perhaps even 60 or 70 to 1 in Iran’s favour,” he said.
Iranian “Shahed” Drones
Among the most widely used models are Iran’s Shahed drones, particularly the Shahed 136 variant.
The drone has a triangular shape and measures about 11 feet in length, or roughly 3.35 metres. It produces a loud buzzing sound similar to a lawn mower and carries an explosive payload that detonates upon impact.
These drones can be launched from behind a truck, making them difficult to detect and track.
Their operational range reaches approximately 1200 miles, or about 1930 kilometres, allowing them to strike targets across large parts of the Middle East.
Production costs are estimated between 20,000 and 50,000 US dollars per drone, relying largely on commercially available electronic components. Russia has also produced a similar version for use in the war in Ukraine, while Iran has reportedly manufactured thousands of units.
Cost of Interception
By contrast, the cost of intercepting such drones is significantly higher.
The Patriot missile defence system, widely regarded as the benchmark in air defence technology, requires interceptor missiles costing more than 3 million US dollars per launch. Production capacity also remains limited. In 2025, only 620 PAC 3 interceptor missiles were produced, despite that figure being a record level.
Another system, the Raytheon Coyote interceptor, is less expensive at around 126,500 US dollars per interception, yet it still costs far more than the Shahed drones it is designed to stop.
Other defensive methods, including radio frequency jamming, microwave systems, and laser weapons, are cheaper alternatives. However, their effectiveness varies and they may also interfere with civilian infrastructure.
American Production Gap
The report notes that the United States faces difficulties in developing cheap and expendable drones similar to the Shahed, despite decades of investment in advanced defence systems such as Patriot.
Recently, the US Department of Defence launched contracts worth 1.1 billion US dollars to develop similar drone systems over the next two years, with participation from 25 companies, some of them Ukrainian.
In a striking development reported by The New York Times, the United States has also developed a modified drone inspired by the Iranian Shahed design. The model, known as “Lucas”, is produced by the Arizona based company SpektreWorks and is reportedly being used in the current conflict, reflecting recognition of the effectiveness of Iran’s design despite sanctions.
Supply and Stockpile Pressures
The challenge is not purely financial. It is also logistical and relates to the limited availability of interceptor missiles.
Lockheed Martin delivered only 620 PAC 3 interceptor missiles in 2025, a record output that nevertheless remains small compared with the thousands of drones Iran is believed to be producing.
A report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies indicates that annual US procurement of interceptors is measured in the hundreds rather than the thousands. This creates a significant gap between available stockpiles and the requirements of an intense large scale conflict.
American factories are currently unable to produce interceptor missiles at the same speed that Iran produces drones, despite recent efforts to accelerate manufacturing.
Statements from US Officials
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the imbalance, stating that counter drone systems have been deployed “without considering the cost”, a remark that reflects the difficult financial calculations involved.
Meanwhile, General Dan Kane, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sought to reassure observers that existing precision munitions remain sufficient for the mission. However, he declined to reveal the exact quantities available, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the issue.
Ukraine as a Model
The report also notes that solutions are not always technologically advanced. In Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have at times relied on simple methods such as fishing nets and shotguns to down low flying drones.
However, these methods are difficult to apply on a wide scale or within more complex operational environments such as the Middle East.
The report concludes that the imbalance between the cost of drone production and the cost of defence may represent a wider global challenge in the era of inexpensive unmanned aerial systems. If escalation continues at the current pace, defensive systems could become financially and logistically unsustainable over time.
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