Is it possible to make copy of Shahed-136 to destroy enemy SAMs and radar stations?

A video demonstrating the Chien Hsiang ‘kamikaze’ drone, created by the NCSIST research institute in the Republic of China (Taiwan), has been made public for the first time. This UAV is notable not only for its external resemblance to the Shahed-136, but also for its declared functionality, which is the destruction of enemy radar stations and air defence systems.

In essence, this is a ‘kamikaze’ anti-radar drone equipped with the appropriate equipment to perform its task, and which can be launched at its targets in a swarm format consisting of up to 12 units. And this is a very interesting development from a country that is also looking for ways to asymmetrically confront an enemy that has overwhelming numbers and resources to wage war.

It is also interesting that this is a relatively new development. For the first time, Taiwan's NCSIST presented its Chien Hsiang ‘kamikaze’ drones as a fully completed development only in November 2022. Only certain characteristics of this type of UAV are known: the range is up to 1,000 km, the possible flight duration is up to 5 hours, and when the drone is homing in, it dives at the target at a speed of up to 600 km/h.

The launch weight, weight of the warhead and its equipment according to Chien Hsiang remain unknown. However, the developers of this weapon claim that this type of kamikaze drone can barrage in a given area for a long time and be aimed at a target as soon as it detects a source of radar radiation. It is also claimed that Chien Hsiang drones are capable of performing electronic warfare functions and being "decoys" to detect and destroy enemy air defence systems.

The capabilities of Taiwan's Chien Hsiang ‘kamikaze’ drone look impressive. However, it should be noted that Taiwan's NCSIST first announced the development of such a drone back in 2017. This suggests that it is quite possible to create our own copy of the Shahed-136, which could destroy enemy air defence systems and radars, but the entire cycle of work may take several years.

In this case, the example of Taiwan can be considered more than illustrative. After all, we are talking about a country that has even managed to create its own long-range cruise missile and keep it secret for more than 10 years.