Iran Unveils Super-Heavy Drone “Gaza”

The Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has deployed a super-heavy drone for the first time during a large-scale military drill.

The Shahed-149, also known as “Gaza,” features a wingspan of 22 meters and a takeoff weight of 3,100 kilograms. According to Iran’s Press TV, the drone boasts a flight endurance of 35 hours and a flight speed of 350 kilometers per hour.

Initially unveiled in May 2021, the Gaza drone has a payload capacity of at least 500 kilograms, enabling it to carry up to 13 bombs. It has a range of 1,000 kilometers and an operational radius of 4,000 kilometers.

During the “Payambar-e Azam (The Great Prophet)” war games conducted across the southern Iranian provinces of Bushehr and Khuzestan, as well as in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC Aerospace Force successfully used the Gaza drone to destroy eight targets with precision for the first time.

This drill is part of the annual “Eghtedar” (Power) exercise, a cornerstone of Iran’s military training. The Iranian Navy also deployed its 100th combat flotilla for a patrol mission in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden as part of these maneuvers.

On the final day of the exercise, the IRGC Navy showcased the Qaem and Almas missiles launched from advanced Mohajer 6 and Ababil 5 drones, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence into Iran’s missile systems.

For the first time, the drills included the launch of various ballistic and surface-to-surface missiles. These included the Navvab missiles launched from the strategic Shahid Soleimani warship and the Kowsar-222 missiles – featuring a range of 17 kilometers – fired from the Ashura and Zulfiqar vessels.

IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri announced on January 26 that his forces had successfully fired a variety of coast-to-sea and ground-to-ground missiles on the second day of the drills in the Persian Gulf.

He also stated that the IRGC naval forces deployed cruise and ballistic missiles, including an upgraded version of the Qadr missile, which boasts improved range and precision for electronic warfare.

Additionally, the IRGC Navy and Iran’s Defense Ministry have developed cruise missiles with ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers. These systems utilize artificial intelligence to counter aerial threats at varying altitudes.

Admiral Tangsiri emphasized that the primary objective of the war games was to enhance the coordination and readiness of the IRGC naval forces while delivering a message of peace and friendship to neighboring countries.

On January 25, the IRGC Navy unveiled a sophisticated new mine during a naval drill in southern Iran. Publicly showcased for the first time, this mine features advanced capabilities distinct from traditional sea mines, though some details remain classified.

The unveiling is part of the IRGC’s broader effort to develop and demonstrate advanced military technologies. Earlier this year, the IRGC Navy also introduced its own underwater missile system, further underscoring its focus on strengthening naval capabilities.

In parallel, the ground forces of Iran’s regular army launched a “security, offensive, and mobile” training exercise in the western Kermanshah Province on January 27. Over 100 offensive drones will participate in the multi-day exercise.

Brigadier General Karim Cheshk, deputy commander of the army’s ground force for operations, stated that the exercise aims to “enhance the defense readiness of the Army Ground Force to confront any external threats against the country’s order and security.”

He also detailed that the participating units include the 35th Special Forces Brigade, the 55th Airborne Brigade, the 181st Armored Brigade, drone units, the army aviation unit of the ground forces, and the electronic warfare battalions of the Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization.