(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –Recently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran has unveiled to the public an upgraded variant of the “Shahid-149 Gaza” drone for the first time.
The design of the “Shahid 149-Gaza” drone, which is domestically produced in Iran’s defense industry, closely resembles the well-known “MQ-9 Reaper” drone made by the United States company, General Atomics.
Iran is likely to have developed the “Shahid 149-Gaza” drone through the reverse engineering efforts of its weapons experts after obtaining the wreckage of an American-made drone successfully shot down by its allies on the battlefield.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps disclosed the enhanced capability variant of this drone at the Martyr Karimi Air Base in the city of Kashan recently.
According to Major General Hossein Salami, the Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the drone is named “Gaza” in memory of those who fought against the unlawful occupation of Zionists.
However, it did not reveal the types of guided bombs and ammunition it can carry, but previous reports stated that the “Gaza” drone can carry up to 13 guided bombs and ammunition.
The “Shahid-149 Gaza” drone was redesigned by Shahed Aviation Industries and manufactured by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Corporation (HESA).
It was first unveiled to the public in 2021. In addition to its weaponry, the drone can also carry various other systems, such as electro-optical equipment, high-resolution cameras, infrared systems, laser designation, and laser illumination, making it one of Iran’s most advanced drones.
According to local Iranian media, this drone is capable of remaining in the air for up to 35 hours, covering 7,000 kilometers in a single mission.
It can fly at a speed of 350 kilometers per hour, powered by a 750-horsepower engine.
The Iranian military uses the drone for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, but its hardpoints suggest that it can also be equipped with various armament systems for combat tasks.
The “Shahid-149 Gaza” drone was developed to replace the previous “Shahed 129” drone used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps since 2012.
According to reports from local media, the latest variant of this drone has been upgraded with a new landing system and is equipped with hardpoints to carry either bombs or guided ammunition.
This drone was first used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps last year and is said to be one of the most capable and advanced unmanned aircraft systems in the possession of the Iranian military unit. — DSA
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