Iran's Air Force – From Old Fighter Jets to Lethal Drones

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Mehr News Agency, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

bomberpilot, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Iran possesses one of the Middle East’s most diverse yet technologically uneven air forces. While its manned aircraft and helicopters often trace their origins to the 1960s and 1970s, the country has shifted its strategic focus toward drones—an affordable, scalable, and increasingly lethal substitute for traditional air superiority. Below is an overview of Iran’s key aerial platforms as of 2025.

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

名無しの政治将校, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The American-built F-4 Phantom II remains one of Iran’s frontline aircraft, despite its 1960s heritage. Approximately 20–30 units are still active. These jets are used for strike and patrol missions, though they lack modern radar systems and electronic countermeasures. However, their long range and substantial weapons payload still offer operational value.

#2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Cdr. David Baranek, U.S. Navy photo 330-CFD-DN-SD-00-03487, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Iran is the only foreign operator of the F-14 Tomcat, originally acquiring 79 aircraft before the 1979 revolution. Around 20 may still be operational. Known for their long-range Phoenix missiles, these aircraft have been locally maintained and upgraded, but age and engine wear pose serious challenges to their effectiveness.

#3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Photo n. (74-00513) released by United States Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The F-5 Tiger II is a lightweight fighter used extensively for training and experimentation. Iran has adapted it into domestic variants such as the Azarakhsh, Saeqeh, and the more recent Kowsar showcased in 2018. These platforms are mostly symbolic, useful for pilot training and defense shows rather than high-stakes operations.

#4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Julian Herzog, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The MiG-29 Fulcrum, acquired in the 1990s, is among Iran’s most modern manned fighters. Iran operates around 18–24 units, including aircraft inherited from Iraqi pilots who fled in 1991. Though capable of air defense, they lack modern avionics, limiting their effectiveness in contemporary air combat.

#5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Alexander Mishin, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

The twin-engine Su-24MK was delivered in the 1990s and remains in use as a long-range bomber. It can carry heavy payloads, including anti-ship missiles, but it is outdated and costly to maintain. Nonetheless, its endurance and strike capacity provide tactical options in regional scenarios.

#6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough

  #1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Dmitry Terekhov from Odintsovo, Russian Federation, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

In 2023, Iran confirmed a purchase of Su-35s from Russia. This 4++ generation multirole fighter is equipped with advanced radar, avionics, and weapons. If fully delivered, it would represent a major technological leap—though the timeline and quantity remain uncertain.

#7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future

  #1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Aleksandr Medvedev (GFDL http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or GFDL http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.htm), via Wikimedia Commons

Delivered in 2023, the Yak-130 serves as an advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft. It is essential for preparing Iranian pilots to fly future 4th and 5th generation fighters like the Su-35, while also being capable of limited combat roles.

#8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Photo: Cpl Lee Goddard RAF/MOD, OGL 2 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/2 via Wikimedia Commons

Iran’s rotary fleet is composed mostly of American helicopters such as the AH-1J Cobra, Bell 214, and CH-47 Chinook. Despite their age, many remain in service thanks to reverse engineering and local upgrades (e.g., the Toufan program). They are primarily used in internal security and asymmetric warfare.

#9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Jalbersr, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Iran has supplemented its fleet with Mi-17 and Mi-171 helicopters from Russia. These are durable and multipurpose, used for transport and logistics. A lone Mi-35M attack helicopter has also been displayed, though its current operational status is unknown.

#10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones

  #1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Introduced in the 1980s, the Mohajer drones have evolved into increasingly capable ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and strike platforms. The latest model, Mohajer-6, carries guided munitions and has seen combat use in multiple theaters, including Ukraine via Russian deployment.

#11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Fars Media Corporation, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Ababil series consists of versatile, low-cost drones used for both surveillance and loitering attack missions. Variants like Ababil-2 and Ababil-3 offer limited range but are effective in large numbers, often deployed by Iranian proxies such as the Houthis in Yemen.

#12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Fars Media Corporation, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Shahed-129 is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone modeled after the U.S. MQ-1 Predator. With a flight endurance of 24 hours and armed with Sadid precision-guided munitions, it has been used extensively in Syria and Iraq.

#13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Shahed-136 is a loitering munition—or kamikaze drone—known for its role in saturation attacks. With a range of up to 2,000 kilometers and a low-cost design, it has been used extensively by Russia in Ukraine, overwhelming air defenses through sheer numbers.

#14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology

#1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Claimed to be capable of striking targets in Israel, the Arash-2 is part of Iran’s push toward strategic, long-range drone deterrence. While few details are confirmed, its role is as much psychological as it is tactical—showcasing Iran’s ambitions on the regional stage.

#15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt

  #1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Fars Media Corporation, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Based on a reverse-engineered U.S. RQ-170 Sentinel captured in 2011, the Shahed-171 is Iran’s attempt at stealth UAV development. Though shown flying in videos, the true capabilities of this drone remain unclear. It nonetheless represents Iran’s intent to break into low-observable technologies.

#16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone

  #1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Fars Media Corporation, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Karrar is a high-speed, jet-powered drone capable of reaching 900 km/h. Originally developed as a target drone, it has been adapted for attack missions, though its guidance and precision capabilities are rudimentary. Still, its psychological and symbolic uses are significant.

#17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri

  #1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Unveiled in February 2025, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri is Iran’s first drone carrier ship. Designed to operate and coordinate drone swarms at sea—including the Mohajer, Ababil, and jet-powered variants—it marks a new dimension in Iran’s drone doctrine: maritime power projection.

An Air Force in Two Phases

  #1: F-4 Phantom II – The Veteran at the Frontline, #2: F-14 Tomcat – The Rare Predator of the Skies, #3: F-5 Tiger II and Iranian Successors, #4: MiG-29 – Soviet Legacy, #5: Su-24MK – Long-Range Bomber, #6: Su-35 (Upcoming) – A Technological Breakthrough, #7: Yak-130 – Training for the Future, #8: Helicopters – Old Strength with New Paint, #9: Mi-17 and Russian Rotor Assistance, #10: Mohajer Series – The Pioneer Among Iranian Drones, #11: Ababil Series – Cheap and Effective “Swarm” Capability, #12: Shahed-129 – Iran’s Predator Clone, #13: Shahed-136 – The Notorious “Kamikaze Drone”, #14: Arash-2 – Long-Range Psychology, #15: Shahed-171 Simorgh – Iran’s Stealth Attempt, #16: Karrar – Jet-Powered Fast Drone, #17: Drone Carrier Ship Shahid Bagheri, An Air Force in Two Phases

Mehr News Agency, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Iran’s air force is split between a legacy fleet of manned aircraft—limited by sanctions and obsolescence—and an increasingly robust drone program that is modern, scalable, and exportable. This asymmetrical strategy allows Iran to project power without air superiority—favoring range, surprise, and swarm tactics over traditional dominance.

Post Related