Large MALE armed UAV with AI-assisted electro-optical targeting. Capable of extended autonomous patrol and strike missions at high altitude.
Shahed-149 Gaza is substantially larger than the Shahed-136 loitering munition, with a wingspan of over 10 meters and a payload capacity allowing it to carry precision-guided munitions rather than serving as a munition itself. Iran has used it in state media broadcasts to demonstrate its ability to surveil and strike targets throughout the Persian Gulf and broader Middle East at extended range. The IRGC has provided Shahed-149 to Houthi forces in Yemen where it has been used to conduct long-range maritime surveillance of Red Sea shipping.
Iranian IRGC operations; provided to Houthi forces Yemen; used in attacks on regional targets 2023
HESA is an Iranian state enterprise under sanctions. The response to Shahed-149 deployments drives procurement from Raytheon (RTX) and Northrop Grumman (NOC) for air defense systems in the Gulf region.