Iran Displays "Gaza" Drone, Other Weapons at DIMDEX 2024

Iran has showcased a range of weapons at the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) 2024, including radars, air defense systems, and the ‘Gaza’ drone.

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani is present at DIMDEX 2024, actively participating in the military exhibition and engaging in discussions with Qatari officials.

The Defense Ministry's pavilion at DIMDEX 2024 features a variety of domestically developed weapons, spanning from the Dey-9 short-range air defense system and anti-ship cruise missiles to radars and shoulder-launched weapons. Notably, the pavilion includes Iranian drones such as the Shahed-129 and Shahed-149, known as the 'Gaza' drone.

The exhibition also highlights Iran's conventional military capabilities, incorporating rifles, machine guns, imaging radars, and bombs.

The Shahed-149 Gaza combat drone, unveiled in May 2021, is named after the Gaza Strip in recognition of the Palestinians' conflict against Israel. Functioning as a high-altitude long-endurance UAV, it closely resembles the American MQ-9 Reaper in terms of size, shape, and role. With a flight duration of 35 hours, a range spanning 2,000 km (1,200 miles), a 21m wingspan, and a cruise speed of 350 km/h, the Gaza drone is equipped to carry 13 bombs and 500 kg of electronic equipment. Notably, it marks the first instance of an Iranian UAV powered by a turboprop engine.