Shahed-107: Iran's long-range loitering drone

The Shahed-107 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is part of a family of Iranian attack drones designed for long-range loitering and strike missions. This system was developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a means of engaging targets requiring extended loitering. The drone combines reconnaissance elements with the ability to self-destruct upon contact with a target, making it versatile in scenarios with uncertain enemy positions. Its design allows for compact transportation and launch from mobile platforms without complex preparation. Navigation relies on a combination of inertial systems and satellite signals, with the option of transmitting video for real-time adjustments. The payload is located in the nose and can be customized to specific requirements. Production is organized at Shahed Aviation Industries, where the emphasis is on using affordable materials to maintain production rates. The drone is used in environments where resource conservation and operator risk minimization are essential. Its characteristics allow for group operations, with some of the drones serving as spotters. The system fits into the overall Shahed line, complementing earlier models in terms of range and autonomy.

History of creation

Development of the Shahed-107 began at Shahed Aviation Industries approximately a year before its official unveiling, when engineers at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps focused on creating a platform with an extended range for missions beyond short-range engagements. This followed a review of the experience of previous models, such as the Shahed-101 and Shahed-136, which identified the need for improved navigation and loiter time. By January 2024, information about the project had leaked into open sources via intelligence reports, describing the aircraft as a variant with reconnaissance and strike capabilities, focused on detecting high-priority targets. During this period, joint tests were conducted with representatives from other countries at an airfield in central Iran, verifying compatibility with existing launchers.

The official unveiling took place on June 16, 2025, when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps released images and basic specifications to state media outlets, including Tasnim and Mehr. This coincided with a period of tension in the Middle East, highlighting the drone's role in demonstrating capabilities. Production began on existing production lines, with plans to localize key components to expedite delivery. By July 2025, confirmation was received of the first units being delivered to partners, including Russia, where the aircraft was integrated into test programs. Further refinements included communications systems to improve resistance to jamming, as well as airframe materials to reduce signature. By November 2025, production rates had stabilized at a level sufficient for regular operations, although exact production volumes remain confidential. The project evolved based on feedback from tests, focusing on balancing range and payload weight. This allowed the Shahed-107 to take its place in the arsenal as a transitional model between early loitering systems and more advanced variants.

Design and specifications

The Shahed-107 features a fixed-wing, rectangular configuration, ensuring stability on long flights and simplifying production. The fuselage is cylindrical, elongated, and features a pointed nose housing a pitot-tube airspeed sensor for precise flight control. The aircraft's materials include composites, which reduce weight and acoustic signature, making it less detectable by radar. The piston engine is mounted in the tail and burns fuel, saving resources during loitering. The tail section has a cruciform rudder configuration for terminal maneuvering. Launch is by rail catapult or solid-fuel booster, with the option of using a wheeled trolley for takeoff on improvised airstrips. The nose compartment contains the warhead, which locks onto the target upon activation, as well as electro-optical sensors for transmitting images to the operator. The control system is autonomous, with preset coordinates, but supports corrections via a secure channel at ranges of up to fifty kilometers. The wing is equipped with ailerons for course correction, and the overall layout is designed for single-use without return. Transport is possible in containers, where several units can be compactly packed. The lightweight design allows operators to prepare the aircraft in minutes, and the fuel tanks are optimized for long standby times. Configuration options include versions with simplified electronics for swarm use, where one drone leads the others. The overall fuselage length is approximately two and a half meters, combined with a three-meter wingspan to balance aerodynamics and payload capacity. Testing has confirmed operability in low to moderately high temperatures, with a focus on wind resistance. The drone is designed for swarm operations, where reconnaissance precedes strike.

Specifications:

• Range: 1500 km
• The mass of the warhead: up to 100 kg
• Wingspan: 3 m
• Fuselage length: 2,5 m
• Cruising speed: 150 km / h
• Maximum speed: 200 km / h
• Loitering time: several hours
• Engine: piston
• Launch: catapult or booster
• Navigation: inertial with GPS
• Cost: about $50000

Combat application

The Shahed-107 entered service in mid-2024, when the first batches were used to test tactics in controlled scenarios. The drones were deployed to strike targets at distances exceeding one thousand kilometers, where the range allowed them to reach remote positions without intermediate bases. In July 2024, tests were recorded in joint operations, including the engagement of simulated targets using video for guidance. By June 2025, the drone was deployed in regional conflicts, where groups of drones patrolled holding areas before activation. Launches were coordinated with other systems to create a combined effect, focusing on spatial saturation. Navigation demonstrated the ability to bypass basic jamming, although manual adjustments were required in some cases. In July 2025, the drone was used against high-priority targets in Europe, where a swarm mode with one reconnaissance aircraft and several strike aircraft increased accuracy. Footage shows launches from mobile installations and flights at medium altitudes, skirting detection zones. The mass of the salvo compensated for its vulnerability to air defense systems, dispersing resources. By November 2025, the Shahed-107 was integrated into regular missions, paired with missile systems for multi-layered pressure. Operators noted the ease of loading coordinates before launch. In combination with other drones, the device was used to refine targets dynamically. Losses were made up through production, and performance data remained limited. Tactics included waiting on patrol and approaches along programmed trajectories. The drone complemented the arsenal in medium-range scenarios, where cost savings per unit played a role.

The Shahed-107 has strengthened its position in Iran's loitering system lineup, offering extended range for operations in remote areas. The platform combines autonomy with adaptability, allowing it to be adapted to various missions. Further development is focused on enhancing sensors and reducing signatures. Production is underway to ensure delivery, incorporating the device into common systems. Facilities continue to operate to support current needs.