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Iran Strengthens Navy with JAS 313 Stealth Drone for Reconnaissance and Bombing Missions.
On March 3, 2025, Iran introduced a new jet-powered stealth drone, the JAS 313, capable of conducting reconnaissance and bombing missions, as reported by the Tasnim News Agency. Resembling a scaled-down conventional fighter aircraft, the drone was presented by Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), during a ceremony aboard the Shahid Bagheri, an Iranian Navy drone carrier.
The JAS 313 drone is equipped with a jet engine, enabling it to achieve high speeds and conduct precision strikes. (Picture source: Tasnim News Agency)
According to Iranian officials, the JAS 313 is specifically designed for takeoff from such platforms and is currently undergoing flight testing before becoming fully operational. Tangsiri emphasized that the drone’s high speed allows it to execute missions efficiently, confirming that it will soon be deployed within the IRGC Navy.
Footage released by Iranian media displayed the aircraft, whose compact size contrasts with the large flight deck of the drone carrier. The drone is equipped with a jet engine, enabling it to achieve high speeds and conduct precision strikes. The IRGC considers it a significant addition to its aerial capabilities, complementing its existing fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles.
The JAS 313 underwent its first test flight on February 6 aboard the Martyr Baqeri, a drone carrier that joined the IRGC Navy fleet last month. This warship was designed as a mobile maritime platform for deploying drones and helicopters across various operational areas. Iranian authorities have stated that the vessel is equipped with two models of the pilotless version of the Qaher (Conqueror) stealth fighter jet, an aircraft originally unveiled in 2013 and described as being capable of taking off and landing on short runways.
The two JAS 313 versions that launched from the Martyr Baqeri on February 6 differ in size. The larger model features a jet engine that enables high-speed operations. According to Rear Admiral Tangsiri, the JAS 313 has a flight endurance of one hour and is designed for both reconnaissance and bombing missions within the IRGC Navy.
However, some Iranian social media users mocked the drone’s small size, with one commenting that a more effective model could be found on an online shopping platform. Despite such remarks, Iranian officials continue advancing drone development, considering it a key component of national defense strategy.
The unveiling of the JAS 313 comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly due to U.S. sanctions imposed on entities based in Hong Kong and mainland China. These entities are accused of supplying critical components for Iran’s drone program. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Iran consistently seeks new ways to acquire Western technology for its UAV programs, relying on front companies and third-party suppliers.
Iran has significantly expanded its drone capabilities in recent years. In January, the Iranian military received 1,000 new UAVs, further enhancing its operational capacity. Iranian drones have been used in conflicts across the Middle East, including in Syria and Yemen, where they have been linked to several attacks. Additionally, Russia has made extensive use of Iranian-made Shahed drones to strike Ukrainian infrastructure, often integrating them with missile strikes.
Iran’s role in supplying drones to Moscow has been highlighted by multiple incidents. Last month, a Russian-launched drone struck the protective shell of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Ukrainian media published images of the drone’s engine, which appeared like that of a Shahed model.
Amid ongoing regional tensions, Iran continues to expand its drone arsenal in anticipation of potential confrontations with Israel and the United States. Since the implementation of Washington’s "maximum pressure" campaign under Donald Trump’s administration, Tehran has intensified efforts to strengthen its defense industry, seeing drones as a strategic tool to project power and enhance military capabilities.