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Breaking News: Iran Declares Shahed-149 Gaza Drone Copy of US MQ-9 Reaper Operational After Successful Strike Tests.
According to a video published by Iran's National TV on January 26, 2025, Iran has officially operationalized its Shahed-149 "Gaza" unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), a high-altitude, long-endurance drone capable of striking targets up to 4,000 kilometers away. The announcement follows the successful deployment of the drone during the "Great Prophet 2025" military exercise, where it engaged multiple mock targets with high precision. Images circulated online show the Shahed-149 equipped with eight Sadid-345 guided glide bombs, underscoring its formidable strike capabilities.
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The Iranian Shahed-149 "Gaza" unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) is seen in flight, armed with eight Sadid-345 precision-guided glide bombs. (Picture source: X account OSINTWarfare)
The Iranian-made Shahed-149 MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) aerial drone was first introduced in 2021 and subsequently delivered to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force in 2022. With a wingspan of 21 meters, it can carry a payload of 500 kg, consisting of various munitions, including precision-guided bombs and surveillance equipment. The drone operates with a cruising speed of 215 km/h, a flight endurance of 25 hours, and can reach altitudes of 10,668 m (35,000 feet), making it suitable for long-range reconnaissance and strike missions.
Designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, the Shahed-149 features advanced avionics, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and satellite communication (SATCOM), allowing for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations and real-time targeting. The integration of these technologies positions the Shahed-149 as a critical asset for Iran's military, enhancing its ability to conduct long-endurance missions over hostile or contested environments.
The Shahed-149 is armed with Sadid-345 precision-guided glide bombs, which are lightweight and designed for precision strikes against both stationary and moving targets. The Sadid-345 weighs approximately 34 kilograms, is 1.63 meters in length, and features four fixed fins for stability along with four deflectable tail fins for guidance. It is equipped with electro-optical and GPS-assisted navigation, ensuring an accuracy of 2.5 to 5 meters circular error probable (CEP). The bomb has an estimated range of 6 kilometers, providing stand-off strike capabilities and reducing the drone's exposure to enemy air defenses.
The warhead of the Sadid-345 contains a composition of H6 explosives designed for anti-armor and anti-personnel effects. Upon detonation, it creates a lethal radius of about 30 meters, making it effective for precision strikes with minimal collateral damage.
The operationalization of the Shahed-149 significantly enhances Iran's drone warfare capabilities, providing the military with a powerful tool for regional power projection. With a reported range of up to 4,000 kilometers, the drone can potentially target strategic assets across the Middle East, including military bases, infrastructure, and high-value adversarial assets. Military analysts suggest that the Shahed-149 could play a pivotal role in Iran’s asymmetric warfare strategy, offering a cost-effective solution for persistent surveillance and precision strikes. The drone's deployment is also likely to impact regional security dynamics, with countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States closely monitoring its operations.
Iran’s drone program has been heavily influenced by foreign designs, with the Shahed-149 drawing clear parallels to the American MQ-9 Reaper and the Chinese CH-4 Rainbow. The airframe, propulsion system, and payload capabilities of the Shahed-149 suggest an attempt to replicate the MQ-9’s multi-role functionality, combining reconnaissance and strike capabilities with extended operational endurance. Similarly, Iran's previous drone models, such as the Shahed-129, have shown similarities to the Chinese CH-4 UAV, further emphasizing Iran’s strategy of adapting and enhancing existing technologies. Despite lacking the advanced materials and avionics of their American and Chinese counterparts, Iranian drones have demonstrated effectiveness in regional conflicts, offering a low-cost alternative for extended reconnaissance and offensive operations.
The successful operational deployment of the Iranian-made Shahed-149 "Gaza" during the "Great Prophet 2025" military exercise underscores Iran’s growing self-reliance in military drone technology. With its enhanced endurance, precision strike capabilities, and long operational range, the Shahed-149 is set to play a critical role in Iran’s defense strategy. As tensions in the Middle East persist, the Shahed-149’s presence in the IRGC's arsenal could serve as a force multiplier, further complicating regional security dynamics.