UAV / UCAV
HESA Shahed-129
The HESA Shahed-129 is an Iranian medium-altitude long-endurance armed drone made by HESA (Shahed Aviation Industries) in Iran. It first flew around 2012 and is similar in class to the American MQ-1 Predator, though performance figures come from Iranian claims.
Iran|HESA (Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Co.)What Is the HESA Shahed-129? Overview, History and Development
The Shahed-129 first flew around 2012, with serial production from about 2013 according to Iranian statements. It is about 8 m long with a wingspan of about 16 m and uses a Rotax 914 engine of about 100 hp. Iran claims a combat radius of about 1,700 km, a ferry range of 3,400 km, an endurance of about 24 hours and a ceiling of about 7,300 m. All performance data come from Iranian state media and have not been independently verified.
It can carry up to about 400 kg, including Sadid-345 glide bombs and Sadid missiles, plus an EO/IR turret. It has been used in Syria since 2014 by the IRGC and over Iraq against ISIS, with a first confirmed strike in February 2016. A naval version, the Simorgh, was unveiled in 2019. Iran operates it, with about 26 to 28 delivered by 2018 per third-party counts. Reports of use in Ukraine are not confirmed.
HESA Shahed-129 Specifications: Endurance, Range, Payload and Sensors
HESA Shahed-129 Variants and Versions Compared
The Shahed-129 is the original model with a 400 kg payload and a claimed endurance of 24 hours.
The Shahed-129 with a new nose has a redesigned bulbous nose that appeared around 2015 to 2016.
The Simorgh is the naval version unveiled in 2019.
Which Countries Use the HESA Shahed-129? Operators and Users
IranHESA Shahed-129 FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the Shahed-129 cost?
No reliable unit price is published for the HESA Shahed-129. Iran does not disclose costs, so any figure quoted is an estimate.
What is the range of the Shahed-129?
Iran claims the HESA Shahed-129 has a combat radius of about 1,700 km and a ferry range of 3,400 km. These performance data come from Iranian state media and are not independently verified.
Is the Shahed-129 used in Ukraine?
Reports that the HESA Shahed-129 is used by Russia in Ukraine exist, but they are not confirmed by official sources. Russia is not listed as an operator of the type.
Is the Shahed-129 the same as the Shahed-136?
No, the Shahed-129 is a reusable armed reconnaissance drone, while the Shahed-136 is a different one-way attack drone. They share a name but are separate aircraft.
Shahed-129 vs Bayraktar TB2: which is better?
The Bayraktar TB2 is cheaper and combat proven across many wars, while the Shahed-129’s figures come from Iranian claims. The Shahed-129 is larger with a payload of about 400 kg, but is often compared in regional coverage.
Which countries use the Shahed-129?
The HESA Shahed-129 is operated by Iran, in the IRGC Aerospace Force and Army, with about 26 to 28 delivered by 2018 per third-party counts. Houthi supply claims exist but are unconfirmed for this model.