Gaza (Shahed-149)

The Shahed-149, named Gaza, is an Iranian medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle developed by Shahed Aviation Industries, unveiled on 21 May 2021. It is Iran's largest and most capable drone to date, comparable in size, shape and intended role to the US MQ-9 Reaper.

Overview

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps unveiled the Gaza in May 2021, naming it after the Gaza Strip. It is a larger, heavier successor to the earlier Shahed-129, which Iran has compared to the smaller MQ-1 Predator, and is described by Iranian officials as the country's first turboprop-powered UAV. The aircraft completed flight testing and was declared operational in April 2022, with the IRGC Aerospace Force stating in 2025 that it had completed successful strike tests.

Reported figures for the Gaza vary between sources: some put its flight endurance at up to 35 hours and its range at around 4,000 km, while Wikipedia's figures, used here, give a 24-hour endurance and a 7,000 km total range with a roughly 2,500 km combat radius. As with other Iranian-stated UAV performance figures, these claims have not been independently verified.

Design and capabilities

The Gaza is 10 m long with a 21 m wingspan and a maximum take-off weight of 3,200 kg, powered by a single turboprop engine driving a four-bladed propeller. It has a service ceiling of about 11,000 m and a maximum speed of about 340 km/h. Iran states the aircraft can carry up to 1,500 kg of fuel and cargo, including a reported load of 13 bombs plus 500 kg of electronic equipment such as sensors and communications gear.

Operational history

The Gaza is operated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force, which declared it operational in April 2022 following flight testing, and has since reported strike trials using the type.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Shahed-149 Gaza comparable to?

Iran and outside observers have compared it to the US MQ-9 Reaper, a similarly sized MALE armed drone.

How long can the Gaza stay airborne?

Sources vary: Wikipedia's figures give 24 hours, while some Iranian state media reports claim up to 35 hours.

Who operates the Shahed-149 Gaza?

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force.

When did the Gaza enter service?

It was unveiled in May 2021 and declared operational in April 2022.

What can the Gaza carry?

Iran states it can carry up to 1,500 kg of fuel and cargo, including reported loadouts of bombs and electronic equipment.