Iran showcased its new terrifying mega-drone to the world during a major military drill in the Persian Gulf.
The giant unmanned plane can carry a deadly 500kg payload or 13 guided glide bombs.
Nicknamed “The Gaza”, the Shahed 149 is shaped like a small aircraft with two flat wings and a propeller at the back.
Video footage shows the Shahed gliding effortlessly through the skies before firing off its lethal payload with devastating effect.
On this occasion, the drone was armed with eight Sadid-345 guided glide bombs, which struck their targets with unerring accuracy.
Giant fireballs could be seen exploding hundreds of metres below after the drone unleashed its formidable arsenal.
The drone has a 21-metre wingspan, a cruising speed of 215 km/h, and can stay airborne for 25 hours.
It is reportedly capable of striking targets up to 4,000 kilometres away and can reach altitudes of 35,000 feet.
The drone’s range means it can target strategic assets across the Middle East, including military bases, infrastructure, and high-value adversarial assets.
The Shahed 149 appears to have been heavily influenced by the designs of the American MQ-9 Reaper drone and the Chinese CH-4 Rainbow.
The drone was unveiled during The Great Prophet 19 military exercises earlier this month.
The drills involve specialised military units from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
Brigadier General Mohammad-Nazar Azimi of the IRGC said the drills would last for two months and involve extensive manoeuvres across air, land, and water.
