Shahed drones

File:Shahed 123 remains.jpg

Models include the following (in numeric order):{{efn|Based on the following sources:

• {{cite web |last1=Frantzman |first1=Seth J. |title=Inside Iran's massive drone army |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/inside-irans-massive-drone-army-630623 |website=www.jpost.com |publisher=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=26 October 2023 |date=8 June 2020}}
• {{cite web |title=Iran Officially Unveils Shahed-238 |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/iran-officially-unveils-shahed-238/ |website=www.mil.in.ua |publisher=Militarnyi |access-date=30 November 2023 |date=20 November 2023}}
• {{cite web |last1=Haynes |first1=Deborah |title='Explosive' new attack drone developed by Iran for Russia's war in Ukraine |url=https://news.sky.com/story/explosive-new-attack-drone-developed-by-iran-for-russias-war-in-ukraine-13045093 |website=Sky News |access-date=20 April 2024 |language=en}}
• {{cite web |last1=Roblin |first1=Sebastien |title=Your Guide to Iran's Diverse Fleet of Combat Drones |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/your-guide-iran%E2%80%99s-diverse-fleet-combat-drones-193654 |website=The National Interest |access-date=17 April 2024 |language=en |date=14 September 2021 |quote=This was followed by actual Shahed 191 flying wing stealth drones, the piston-engine Saegheh-1, and jet-powered Saegheh-2.}}

}}

{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|style=max-width: 900px;|

• Shahed 101
• Shahed 107
• Shahed 121
• Shahed 123
• Shahed 125
• Shahed 129
• Shahed 131 (also called "Geran-1" in Russian service)
• Shahed 133
• HESA Shahed 136 (also called "Geran-2" in Russian service)
• Shahed 141
• Shahed 147
• Shahed 149 Gaza
• Shahed 161
• Shahed 171 Simorgh
• Shahed 178
• Shahed 191 (also called "Shahed Saegheh"), with two variants:
• Shahed Saegheh-1
• Shahed Saegheh-2
• Shahed 197
• {{ill|Shahed 238|uk|Шахед-238}}

}}

The drones are developed by Shahed Aviation Industries. They are produced using domestic companies and local resources. Despite international sanctions against Iran, claimed to be made of commercial parts from companies headquartered in the United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Japan, and Poland.{{Cite web |last=Rawnsley |first=Adam |date=2016-06-24 |title=Like It or Not, Iran Is a Drone Power |url=https://medium.com/war-is-boring/like-it-or-not-iran-is-a-drone-power-e9899c954a3f |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=War Is Boring |language=en}} Due to their commercial availability, the components are poorly regulated or uncontrolled,{{cite web |title=Ukraine war latest: Ukraine sends letter to G7 on use of Western parts in Shahed drones |url=https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-september-27/ |website=The Kyiv Independent |access-date=18 April 2024 |language=en |date=27 September 2023}} and according to a Ukrainian report submitted to the G7, the parts are imported to Iran from Turkey, India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Costa Rica. Allegedly, every drone manufactory plant in Iran has two replacement sites to ensure production is not disrupted in the event of an aerial attack.

On 5 December 2011, the Iranian government seized an American Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel UAV, which had been commandeered and brought down by Iran's cyberwarfare unit.{{cite news |last1=Peterson |first1=Scott |last2=Faramarzi |first2=Payam |title=Exclusive: Iran hijacked US drone, says Iranian engineer |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/1215/Exclusive-Iran-hijacked-US-drone-says-Iranian-engineer |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=Christian Science Monitor |date=15 December 2011}} Shahed Aviation Industries then reverse-engineered the American UAV, and used the acquired knowledge to develop the Shahed 171 Simorgh and Shahed 191 (Shahed Saegheh).

{{Main|Yelabuga drone factory}}

During the seventy-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023, the United States accused Iran of supplying Russia with drones during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and aiding Russia in the development of a drone production plant. Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi denied the allegations, responding, "We are against the war in Ukraine."{{cite web |last1=Haven |first1=Paul |title=Iran's president denies sending drones and other weapons to Russia and decries US meddling |url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-raisi-ukraine-united-nations-5e196ef81249ca3ea8a12f5148f6d867 |website=AP News |access-date=20 April 2024 |language=en |date=18 September 2023}} Months earlier, Sky News received purported document evidence dated 14 September 2022 from an informed source that Russia had purchased over {{US$|1}}{{nbsp}}million of artillery and tank shells and rockets.{{cite web |last1=Haynes |first1=Deborah |title=Arms contract shows Iran has sold Russia ammunition for Ukraine war, says security source |url=https://news.sky.com/story/arms-contract-shows-iran-has-sold-russia-ammunition-for-ukraine-war-says-security-source-12896127 |website=Sky News |access-date=20 April 2024 |language=en}} In June 2023, a U.S. intelligence finding released by the White House reported Iran was supplying Russia with materials to construct a drone manufacturing plant.{{cite web |last1=Madhani |first1=Aamer |title=White House says Iran is helping Russia build a drone factory east of Moscow for the war in Ukraine |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-drone-factory-ukraine-war-dfdfb4602fecb0fe65935cb24c82421a |website=AP News |access-date=20 April 2024 |language=en |date=9 June 2023}} In February 2024, additional document evidence was leaked revealing Russia's purchases of drones and an arrangement for Iran to assist Russia in developing a manufacturing facility, both purchased for a total of {{US$|1.75}}{{nbsp}}billion, paid in gold ingots.

According to the document submitted to the G7, the Iranian government is trying to "disassociate itself from providing Russia with weapons" and that "[it] cannot cope with Russian demand and the intensity of use in Ukraine." Consequently, the Yelabuga drone factory was established in Alabuga Special Economic Zone, part of the Republic of Tatarstan, an autonomous region of Russia, more than {{cvt|1,300|km}} from the Russia–Ukraine border.{{cite web |last1=Yaron |first1=Oded |title=Gold for drones: Massive leak reveals the Iranian Shahed project in Russia |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2024-02-21/ty-article-magazine/gold-for-drones-massive-leak-reveals-the-iranian-shahed-project-in-russia/0000018d-bb85-dd5e-a59d-ffb729890000 |website=Haaretz |access-date=18 April 2024 |language=en |date=21 February 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Gozzi |first1=Laura |title=Ukraine war: Deepest Ukraine drone attack into Russian territory injures 12 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68712158 |access-date=21 April 2024 |work=website |publisher=BBC |date=2 April 2024}} The manufactory is next to the Kama River, permitting transportation by ship directly from Iran via the Caspian Sea, and is operated by the company Albatross, which employs students as young as 15 years-old from Alabuga Polytechnic College to construct the combat drones.{{cite news |title=A Russian Factory Is Using Underage Workers To Assemble Iranian 'Suicide' Drones Destined For Ukraine |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-iran-suicide-drones-assembled-underage-students-ukraine/32545386.html |access-date=23 April 2024 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=1 November 2023 |language=en}} Russia aims to build 6,000 UCAVs by summer 2025{{cite web |title=Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits drone factory, oil refinery deep inside Russia |url=https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-april-2/ |website=The Kyiv Independent |access-date=18 April 2024 |language=en |date=2 April 2024}} at a rate of 310 drones per month if the factory operates 24 hours a day, predicting the cost of production of one Geran-2 to be {{US$|48,000}}. However, Russia has upgraded the drones over several iterations and has consequently increased the unit production cost to around {{US$|80,000}} as of April 2024.{{cite web |last1=Bronk |first1=Justin |last2=Watling |first2=Jack |title=Mass Precision Strike Designing UAV Complexes for Land Forces |url=https://static.rusi.org/mass-precision-strike-final.pdf |publisher=Royal United Services Institute |access-date=5 August 2024 |page=31 |language=en |issn=2397-0286 |date=11 April 2024}}

Iranian drone technology was deployed in combat during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia used Iranian Shahed 136 drones in an attack on Kyiv on 17 October 2022, during which 4 civilians were killed, including one woman who was six months pregnant.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-17 |title=Russia launches first-ever kamikaze drone attack on Kyiv, kills 4 (UPDATED) |url=https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-first-ever-kamikaze-drone-attack-on-kyiv/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=The Kyiv Independent |language=en}} Another Russian attack using Iranian drones took place on 28 May 2023. Ukraine said it shot down all but one of the drones, but one person was killed.{{cite news |last=Tanno |first=Sophie |last2=Poole |first2=Thom |last3=Hayes |first3=Mike |last4=Meyer |first4=Matt |date=28 May 2023 |title=Russia launched dozens of Iranian-made drones at Ukraine overnight. Kyiv claims it knocked down all but one |url=https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-05-28-23/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530003631/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-05-28-23/index.html |archive-date=30 May 2023 |access-date=28 May 2023 |work=CNN}} Another strike on 20 June used 35 Iranian-designed Shahed drones, 32 of which were claimed to be shot down by Ukraine.{{cite web |author=Bailey |first=Riley |last2=Hird |first2=Karolina |last3=Wolkov |first3=Nicole |last4=Evans |first4=Angelica |last5=Clark |first5=Mason |date=20 June 2023 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 20, 2023 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-20-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214022624/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-20-2023 |archive-date=14 December 2023 |access-date=21 June 2023 |work=Institute for the Study of War}} On 22 November 2024, Russia attacked a residential area in Sumy, Ukraine, using Shahed drones.{{Cite web |title=2 killed, 12 injured in Russia's attack on Sumy |url=https://kyivindependent.com/2-killed-12-injured-in-russias-attack-on-sumy/}} Two civilians were killed in the attack and 12 were injured. On May 17, 2025 Russia conducted multiple attacks across Ukraine involving Shahed drones, killing at least 13 civilians and injuring 32.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-17 |title=Russian strikes kill at least 13, injure over 30 across Ukraine in past 24 hours |url=https://kyivindependent.com/russian-strikes-kill-at-least-12-injure-over-30-across-ukraine-in-past-24-hours/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=The Kyiv Independent |language=en}}

In a 2 April 2024 attack, Ukraine launched an improvised long-range loitering munition targeting and damaging Russia's drone production facility, allegedly causing "significant damage."{{cite web |last1=Duncan |first1=Gillian |title=Ukraine's 'deep strike' targets Russian drone factory |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/2024/04/02/ukraines-deep-strike-targets-russian-drone-factory/ |website=The National |access-date=18 April 2024 |language=en |date=2 April 2024}}

The Shahed 107 was revealed to Sky News by an anonymous security source in January 2024. It was described as a loitering munition with possible reconnaissance technologies, such as a live video feed.{{cite web |last1=Haynes |first1=Deborah |title='Explosive' new attack drone developed by Iran for Russia's war in Ukraine |url=https://news.sky.com/story/explosive-new-attack-drone-developed-by-iran-for-russias-war-in-ukraine-13045093 |website=Sky News |access-date=20 April 2024 |language=en}} The source also reported it is about {{cvt|2.5|m}} long and has a wingspan of {{cvt|3|m}}. The UCAV can be launched from a vehicle and is estimated to have a range of up to {{cvt|1,500|km}}. The source also told Sky News that Iran had offered "a few units" to Russia in a deal worth more than {{US$|2}}{{nbsp}}million.

File:Shahed_121_and_Shahed_129.jpg]]

The Shahed 121 was first noticed in 2016 when it flew over the {{USS|Harry S. Truman}}, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, in international airspace. The US Navy regarded this as a security breach which had not happened since 2014. The incident occurred after a nuclear deal that Iran signed with world powers, including the US. A US Navy Seahawk helicopter filmed the incident. The flight of Shahed 121 was considered by Iranian authorities to be safe as its wings were all "clean", implying that the drone did not carry weapons and was not dangerous to ships, but the high command of the US Navy described it as "abnormal" and "unprofessional."{{Cite web|title=Iranian Drone First Over US Carrier Since 2014|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/iranian-drone-first-over-us-carrier-since-2014-1275999|access-date=2021-06-12|website=NDTV.com}}

{{Main|Shahed 129}}

The Shahed 129, sometimes S129, is an Iranian single-engine medium-altitude long-endurance UCAV designed for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.{{cite news |url=https://drones.rusi.org/countries/iran/ |publisher=RUSI|title=Iran }} It is capable of combat and reconnaissance missions. It has an endurance of 24 hours; it is similar in size, shape, and role to the American MQ-1 Predator.{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/530312/inherent-resolve-spokesman-briefs-reporters|title=Inherent Resolve Spokesman Briefs Reporters|publisher=Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve|date=8 June 2017|via=Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS)|author=Col. Ryan Dillon}} The Shahed 129 has been used for airstrikes in the Syrian Civil War and for border patrol on Iran's eastern border.{{cite journal |last1=Taghvaee |first1=Babak |title=Shahed 129 Heads Iran's Armed UAV Force |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/shahed-129-heads-iran-s-armed-uav-force |journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology |date=27 July 2017 }} As of 2017, the Shahed 129 and Shahed Saegheh are expected to form the backbone of Iran's high-end UAV fleet for at least the next decade.

{{Main|Shahed 131}}

The Shahed 131, also called Geran-1 ({{langx|ru|Герань-1}}, literally "Geranium-1") in Russian service, came to prominence in October 2022 during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web|url=https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/a_younger_version_geran_1_shahed_131_kamikaze_drone_spotted_after_night_attack_from_crimea-4624.html|title=A "Younger" Version Geran-1 (Shahed-131) Kamikaze Drone Spotted After Night Attack From Crimea | Defense Express|website=en.defence-ua.com |access-date=18 December 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/russians-began-to-use-shahed-131-kamikaze-drones/|title=Russians began to use Shahed-131 kamikaze drones |work=mil.in.ua |date=13 October 2022 |access-date=18 December 2022}} It is powered by a Wankel engine model Shahed-783/788. The Shahed-131 flight control unit was found to be able to connect with Iridium satellites, which in theory allows the flight path to be altered mid-flight.{{cite web |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/an_advanced_radio_communication_device_on_american_processors_found_in_the_shahed_136-4446.html |title=An Advanced Radio Communication Device on American Processors Found in the Shahed-136 |website=Defense Express |location=Kyiv |date=6 October 2022 |access-date=19 October 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ne_tilki_shahed_136_zjavilos_detalne_doslidzhennja_sche_odnogo_iranskogo_drona_kamikadze_jakij_vikoristovuje_rf-9033.html |language=uk |title=Не тільки Shahed-136, з'явилось детальне дослідження ще одного іранського дрона камікадзе, який використовує РФ |trans-title=Not only Shahed-136, a detailed study of another Iranian kamikaze drone used by the Russian Federation has appeared |website=Defense Express |location=Kyiv |access-date=18 December 2022}} The flight controller has a backup inertial navigation system by MEMS gyroscope. Its primary instructions are derived from a commercial-grade GPS unit.

The Shahed 131 is visually distinguished by vertical stabilisers that extend only upwards from the ends of the wings, while on the larger Shahed 136 they extend both up and down. It has a {{convert|15|kg|abbr=on}} warhead and has a range of {{convert|900|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web|url=https://gagadget.com/en/180209-the-afu-captured-a-kamikaze-drone-shahed-131-a-smaller-version-of-shahed-136-weighing-135-kg-warhead-weighing-15-kg-and-a/|title=The AFU captured a kamikaze drone Shahed-131 - a smaller version of Shahed-136, weighing 135 kg, warhead weighing 15 kg and a launch range of 900 km|first=Maksim|last=Panasovskyi|website=gagadget.com}}{{cite web |url=https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/russias-iranian-made-uavs-technical-profile |title=Russia's Iranian-Made UAVs: A Technical Profile |last=Rubin |first=Uzi |publisher=Royal United Services Institute |date=13 January 2023 |access-date=17 September 2023}}

File:2023 IRGC Aerospace Force achievements Exhibition in Kermanshah (018).jpg

{{Main|HESA Shahed 136}}

The HESA Shahed 136, or simply Shahed 136, known also as the Geran-2 ({{langx|ru|Герань-2}}) in Russian service, is a loitering munition in the form of an autonomous pusher-prop UCAV.{{cite web |url=https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/can-iranian-drones-turn-russias-fortunes-ukraine-war |title=Can Iranian Drones Turn Russia's Fortunes in the Ukraine War? |last=Kahn |first=Lauren |newspaper=Council on Foreign Relations |date=26 October 2022 |access-date=26 November 2023 |quote=The Iranian-produced Shahed-136 (renamed by Russia as the Geran-2) is a loitering munition, although it is sometimes misleadingly referred to in media as a kamikaze or suicide drone.}} It is designed and manufactured by Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company, or HESA, in association with Shahed Aviation Industries.{{cite press release |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1104 |title=Treasury Targets Actors Involved in Production and Transfer of Iranian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Russia for Use in Ukraine |author= |date=November 15, 2022 |website=U.S. Department of the Treasury |access-date=13 September 2023 |quote=Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center (SAIRC), subordinate to the IRGC ASF, has designed and manufactured several Shahed-series UAV variants, including the Shahed-136 one-way attack UAV ...}} Its first appearance was 13 September 2022, when photos of the remains of a drone used by Russian forces during the invasion of Ukraine were publicly released.{{cite web |title=Iranian Shahed-136 Kamikaze Drones Already Used By Russia |website=Defense Express |location=Kyiv |date=13 September 2022 |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/iranian_shahed_136_kamikaze_drones_already_used_by_russia_first_photos_and_specs-4207.html |access-date=29 September 2022 |archive-date=17 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017191042/https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/iranian_shahed_136_kamikaze_drones_already_used_by_russia_first_photos_and_specs-4207.html |url-status=live }} The wings were inscribed with "M412 Герань-2" ("M412 Geran-2" in Russian) as a means of disguising the drone and concealing Iran's part in the invasion of Ukraine, but it was recognized by its wing design, and Geran-2 drones are considered by Ukraine and its Western allies to be redesignated Iranian-made Shahed 136 drones.{{cite news |date=24 September 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine war News: Ukraine to reduce Iran embassy presence over Russia drone attacks |publisher=Al Jazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/24/ukraine-to-reduce-iran-embassy-presence-over-russia-drone-attacks |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017191034/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/24/ukraine-to-reduce-iran-embassy-presence-over-russia-drone-attacks |archive-date=17 October 2022}}{{Cite web |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Bailey |first2=Riley |last3=Mappes |first3=Grace |last4=Barros |first4=George |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |date=October 12, 2022 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 12 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014114231/https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-12 |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Institute for the Study of War |publication-place=Washington, DC |publication-date=October 12, 2022}} Experts have estimated a Shahed 136 costs between {{US$|20,000}} to {{US$|50,000}} to make.{{cite web |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |last2=Rogoway |first2=Tyler |title=Iran's Jet-Powered Shahed Drone Could Be A Problem For Ukraine |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/irans-jet-powered-shahed-drone-could-be-a-problem-for-ukraine |access-date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208011017/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/irans-jet-powered-shahed-drone-could-be-a-problem-for-ukraine |archive-date=8 December 2023 }} A series of leaked emails and documents revealed Russia had purchased 6,000 Shahed 136s for {{US$|193,000}} each in 2023.

The drones were used in the October 2022 missile strikes on Kyiv{{Cite web |title=Zelensky: Russia used Iran-made drones, missiles in deadly strikes on several cities |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/zelensky-russia-used-iran-made-drones-missiles-in-deadly-strikes-on-several-cities/ |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=10 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010192736/https://www.timesofisrael.com/zelensky-russia-used-iran-made-drones-missiles-in-deadly-strikes-on-several-cities/ |url-status=live}}

{{clear}}

The Shahed 147 is a twin-boom, high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) surveillance UAV powered by a turboprop engine.{{cite web |last1=Malyasov |first1=Dylan |title=Iran debuts its Shahed-147 spy drone |url=https://defence-blog.com/iran-debuts-shaed-147-advanced-hale-surveillance-drone/ |access-date=20 April 2024}} It possesses a wingspan of {{cvt|26|m}} and a maximum flight altitude of 60,000 feet.{{cite web |title=Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Visit To The IRGC Aerospace Force Exhibition; Fattah-2 Missile Is Unveiled |url=https://www.memri.org/tv/iranian-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-hajizadeh-fattah2-missile-hypersonic-global-hawk |website=MEMRI |access-date=20 April 2024 |language=en}} The drone also possesses Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging for surveillance. The Shahed 147 was revealed during the 19 November 2023 Iranian Aerospace Force Exhibition, attended by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

{{Main|Shahed 149 Gaza}}

File:Students from Kashan on Rahian-e-Pishraft Tour (11).jpg

The Shahed 149 Gaza was unveiled on 21 May 2021 and named after the Gaza Strip in honor of Palestinians' struggle amid the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis.{{cite web|date=2021-05-21|title=Iran displays long-range drone, names it 'Gaza' in honor of Palestinians' struggle|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/05/21/Iran-displays-long-range-drone-names-it-Gaza-in-honor-of-Palestinians-struggle|website=Al Arabiya English|language=en}} The drone is a high-altitude, long-endurance UAV similar in size, shape and role to the American MQ-9 Reaper.{{Cite web|title=Gaza UAV, new symbol of Iran's long-range UAV power|url=https://iranpress.com/content/40091/gaza-uav-new-symbol-iran-long-range-uav-power|access-date=2021-11-19|website=iranpress.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Iran unveils 'Gaza' UAV|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/iran-unveils-gaza-uav|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Janes.com|date=24 May 2021 |language=en}} It is larger and heavier than the earlier Shahed 129. It has a flight duration of 24 hours, a maximum operating radius of {{convert|2500|km|abbr=on}}, {{convert|21|m|abbr=on}} wingspan, {{convert|340|km/h|abbr=on}} maximum speed and is capable of carrying 13 bombs and {{convert|500|kg|abbr=on}} of electronic equipment.{{cite web |title=Iran unveils long-range drone named 'Gaza' |url=https://www.fox5ny.com/news/iran-unveils-longrange-drone-named-gaza |website=Associated Press |date=2021-05-21}}{{cite web|title=Iran Guards unveil 'Gaza' drone in tribute to Palestinians|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/iran-guards-unveil-gaza-drone-in-tribute-to-palestinians/|website=www.timesofisrael.com}} It was the first Iranian UAV powered by a turboprop engine.{{Cite web|title=جابجایی رکوردهای پهپادی ایران با "غزه"/ آخرین فناوری پهپادی سپاه چه ویژگی‌هایی دارد؟ {{!}} خبرگزاری فارس|url=https://www.farsnews.ir/news/14000428000519/%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%AC%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%B1%DA%A9%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%BE%D9%87%D9%BE%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%BA%D8%B2%D9%87-%D8%A2%D8%AE%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%81%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D9%BE%D9%87%D9%BE%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%B3%D9%BE%D8%A7%D9%87-%DA%86%D9%87|access-date=2021-11-24|website=www.farsnews.ir}}

File:Shahed 171 Simorgh.jpg

{{Main|Shahed 171 Simorgh}}

The Shahed 171 Simorgh, named after a benevolent bird of Persian mythology, and called IRN-170 by the US government,{{cite book |author= |date=2019 |title=Iran Military Power |url=https://www.dia.mil/Portals/110/Images/News/Military_Powers_Publications/Iran_Military_Power_LR.pdf |location= |publisher=Defense Intelligence Agency |page=68 |isbn=978-0-16-095157-2}} is a jet-powered flying wing UCAV.{{cite web|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2018/02/13/sentinels-saeqehs-simorghs-open-source-information-irans-new-drone-syria/|title=Sentinels, Saeqehs and Simorghs: An Open Source Survey of Iran's New Drone in Syria|date=13 February 2018|publisher=bellingcat}} It is based on an American Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel UAV that was seized by Iran in 2011 and reverse-engineered.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/01/iran-builds-thunderbolt-drone |title=Iran builds attack drone similar to captured US model, local media say |newspaper=The Guardian |date=2 October 2016 |access-date= 2 October 2016}}

{{Main|Shahed Saegheh}}

The Shahed 191, also called the Shahed Saegheh, sometimes spelled "Saeqeh," was first revealed at an Iranian arms expo in October 2016.{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2016/10/02/iran-unveils-new-ucav-modeled-on-captured-u-s-rq-170-stealth-drone/|title=Iran unveils new UCAV modeled on captured U.S. RQ-170 stealth drone|first=David|last=Cenciotti|date=2 October 2016}} The name comes from the Persian word for "thunderbolt." Like the Shahed 171 Simorgh, the Shahed 191 is based on the seized Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel. The Shahed 191 has two variants, the Saegheh-1 and the Saegheh-2.

The Saegheh-1 is a flying wing UCAV powered by a turbofan and piston-engine.{{cite web |last1=Roblin |first1=Sebastien |title=Your Guide to Iran's Diverse Fleet of Combat Drones |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/your-guide-iran%E2%80%99s-diverse-fleet-combat-drones-193654 |website=The National Interest |access-date=17 April 2024 |language=en |date=14 September 2021}}{{cite journal |last1=Taghvaee |first1=Babak |title=Shahed 129 Heads Iran's Armed UAV Force |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/shahed-129-heads-iran-s-armed-uav-force |journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology |date=Jul 27, 2017 }} The drone can carry two Sadid-1 missiles externally, a combined payload weight of {{convert|50|kg|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |last1=Nikolov |first1=Boyko |title=CIA's RQ-170 UAV could usher in a new series of Russian drones |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/06/12/cias-rq-170-uav-could-usher-in-a-new-series-of-russian-drones/ |access-date=17 April 2024 |date=12 June 2023}}

The Saegheh-2 is a jet-powered flying wing UCAV launched from a moving car. It can reportedly fly at a cruising speed of {{convert|300|km/h|abbr=on}} for just over 4.5 hours, and can travel a distance of at least {{convert|450|km|abbr=on}}. The Saegheh-2 can carry two Sadid-1 missiles internally.

The Shahed 238 (known as Geran-3 in Russian service) is a turbojet-powered loitering munition. In September 2023, a trailer for an Iranian state TV documentary on Iranian drone development revealed a new version of Shahed 136 powered by a jet engine.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 October 2023|title=IRGC documentary shows jet-powered Shahed-136 UAV variant|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/irgc-documentary-shows-jet-powered-shahed-136-uav-variant|website=Janes Information Services|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005094825/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/irgc-documentary-shows-jet-powered-shahed-136-uav-variant|archive-date=5 October 2023|url-status=live}}[https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2023/09/27/iran-unveils-jet-powered-version-of-shahed-kamikaze-drone/?sh=4d6db98d5bdc Iran Unveils Jet-Powered Version Of Shahed Kamikaze Drone]. Forbes. 27 September 2023. The new drone was publicly unveiled in November 2023 during an aerospace achievement exhibition organized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which was attended by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Three variants were displayed in a black color scheme, though whether this is a radar-absorbent material or simply a paint scheme for night operations is unknown.[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/irans-jet-powered-shahed-drone-could-be-a-problem-for-ukraine Iran's Jet-Powered Shahed Drone Could Be A Problem For Ukraine]. The Drive/The War Zone. 22 November 2023.

A Russian Major General claimed in an interview with Russian agency Sputnik that the Shahed 238 would be a new version of the Geran-2, and that it would capable of travelling at top speeds of {{cvt|800|km/h}} during a dive.{{cite web |last1=Tiwari |first1=Sakshi |title="Bad News" For Ukraine: Russia Begins Using 'Double Deadly' Jet-Powered Shahed-238 Kamikaze UAVs |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/bad-news-for-ukraine-russia-begins-using-double-deadly/ |website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News |access-date=18 April 2024 |date=9 January 2024}}{{cite web |title=Russian General Claims Jet-Powered Kamikaze Drones on the Way |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/25335 |website=Kyiv Post |access-date=18 April 2024 |language=en |date=11 December 2023}} Iran, however, claims it can reach considerably lower top speeds of only {{cvt|500|km/h}}, powered by the Toloue-10 or Toloue-13 micro-turbojet 896 engine. Due to the new engine, compared to the HESA Shahed 136, there is less space available for fuel, presumably resulting in a reduced flight range and payload size.

The three Shahed 238 variants each had different guidance systems: one with basic GPS and GLONASS-based inertial navigation systems, as used in the Shahed 136, to hit fixed targets; electro-optical and infrared camera sensors for heat-seeking, with some reports suggesting the missiles could be directed by an operator using the video feed; and a radar-detection system to attack air defenses and other radars, allowing it to be used for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses.

In early January 2024, evidence emerged to suggest Russia had launched at least one Shahed 238 in an attack on Ukraine. Analysis of a destroyed model found several western components, such as a Czech PBS TJ150 turbojet engine, electronic chips from US manufacturers Intel and Texas Instruments, and satellite navigation antennas from Tallysman Wireless,{{cite web |title=Jet Driven Shahed-238 Disassembled: Engine From Czechia, Satellite Navigation Tools From Canada (Photo) {{!}} Defense Express |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/jet_driven_shahed_238_disassembled_engine_from_chechia_satellite_navigation_tools_from_canada_photo-9437.html |website=en.defence-ua.com |publisher=Defense Express |access-date=1 September 2024 |language=en}} indicating that Iran has found a means to bypass international sanctions. The Czech engine manufacturer denied these allegations, emphasizing that the engines used in Iranian drones are not their products, as confirmed by a 2020 UN panel of experts. The company highlighted that such claims are part of deliberate efforts to damage PBS's credibility, as it actively supplies engines for Ukraine's defense.{{Cite web |last=Ehl |first=Martin |date=2024-02-09 |title=Ruský dron z Íránu má českou součástku, tvrdí Ukrajinci, kteří ho sestřelili. Není to náš výrobek, hájí se česká firma |url=https://archiv.hn.cz/c1-67292900-rusky-dron-z-iranu-ma-ceskou-soucastku-tvrdi-ukrajinci-kteri-ho-sesetrelili-neni-to-nas-vyrobek-haji-se-ceska-firma |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Hospodářské noviny (HN.cz) |language=cs}}

• Foreign involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Iran and the Russian invasion of Ukraine

{{Noteslist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Shahed aircraft}}

{{Iranian Aircraft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shahed drones}}

Category:Shahed aircraft

Category:Military equipment of Iran

Category:Unmanned aerial vehicles of Iran

Category:Aircraft manufactured in Iran

Category:Iranian military aircraft

Category:Loitering munitions

Category:Weapons of Iran

Category:Post–Cold War military equipment of Iran

Category:Unmanned aerial vehicles