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Iran has recently operationalized a large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the Shahed family, the Shahed-149, aiming to enhance the country’s military capabilities. The UAV, also called “Gaza”, was first introduced in 2021, and was recently operationalized by the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGCASF) during the “Great Prophet” military exercise.
In terms of specifications, the Shahed-149 has a wingspan measuring 22 meters, making is a massive UAV capable of carrying out long-range missions with high endurance. This UAV is built for long-distance travel, and has a range of up to 4,000 kilometers and a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour. Its takeoff weight is 3,100 kilograms, and it can stay airborne for up to 35 hours at altitudes above 10,500 meters (34,448 feet). These specifications allow the drone to perform a wide range of missions, from surveillance to precision strikes. It should also be noted that the range this UAV is capable of is enough for a direct attack from Iran to Israel, possibly with the ability to fly back to Iran thereafter.
One of the drone’s notable features is its payload capacity. The Shahed-149 can carry up to 500 kilograms, allowing it to deploy up to 13 Sadid-345 precision-guided glide bombs in a single mission, according to The Defense Post. Reportedly, it is capable of carrying out highly accurate strikes within a 1,000-kilometer radius. During its recent field testing, the drone successfully hit eight simulated enemy targets. In addition to its offensive capabilities, the Shahed-149 can also be used for ISR and logistical support missions.
The newly operational Shahed-149 UAV is an addition to the country’s wide arsenal of attack weapons, capable of enhancing Iran’s offensive infrastructure and its ability to conduct a wide variety of military operations. Specifically, it marks a significant step in the country’s growing drone capabilities, which Iran is known for transferring to its allies.
