Shahed 161

The Shahed‑161 is a medium‑altitude long‑endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle developed by the Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center, Iran’s principal UAV design bureau. Initiated in 2014, the program aimed to replace aging platforms such as the Shahed‑136 and to provide the Iranian Air Force with a domestically produced, multi‑role system capable of both intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike missions. After a series of prototype flights in 2017, series production began in 2019, and the aircraft entered operational service in early 2021, marking a milestone in Iran’s self‑reliance on advanced aerospace technology.

Key features include a carbon‑fiber‑reinforced airframe with a 13‑meter wingspan, a twin‑engine turboprop powerplant delivering a cruising speed of 350 km/h and an endurance of up to 24 hours at altitudes of 12‑15 kilometers. The Shahed‑161 carries an internal payload bay of 500 kg, supporting a mix of electro‑optical/infrared sensors, synthetic‑aperture radar, and modular weapon stations for missiles or guided bombs. Its autonomous navigation suite incorporates satellite‑aided GPS, terrain‑referenced guidance, and secure data‑link communications.

The aircraft’s significance lies in its contribution to Iran’s strategic deterrence and regional surveillance capabilities, showcasing indigenous expertise in UAV design, endurance engineering, and integrated combat systems without reliance on foreign suppliers.

Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center

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Design & Classification