Shahed 139

The Shahed 139 is a medium‑weight, multi‑role aircraft developed by the Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center (SAIRC) in Iran. Initiated in 2015 as part of a national effort to achieve greater self‑reliance in aerospace technology, the program moved from concept to prototype within three years, with the first flight recorded in June 2019. Built around a carbon‑fiber composite airframe and powered by a domestically produced turboprop engine delivering 1,200 shaft‑horsepower, the Shahed 139 can carry up to 2,500 kilograms of payload over a range of 2,300 kilometers. Its modular hardpoint system permits rapid re‑configuration for surveillance, transport, or light attack missions, while an integrated glass cockpit provides full digital flight‑control, helmet‑mounted displays, and satellite navigation. The aircraft also incorporates low‑observable shaping and infrared‑signature reduction measures, giving it an edge in contested environments. Since entering service with the Iranian Air Force in 2021, the Shahed 139 has been highlighted as a symbol of indigenous innovation, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and expanding the country's capability to conduct regional reconnaissance and counter‑insurgency operations. Its development marks a notable milestone in Iran’s push toward an autonomous aviation industry.

Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center

Classification

Design & Classification