Specialists from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force successfully tested the engine of the Shahed-161 stealth reconnaissance and attack drone during an achievements exhibition at the National Aerospace Park on November 11. The Fars news agency emphasized that the aircraft is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, with an operational range of 150 km, an endurance of up to two hours, and a flight ceiling of over 7200 m.

The drone can carry up to two Quaem-5 guided glide bombs, each weighing 50 kg. It has a takeoff weight of 170 kg and is launched from a vehicle.

"The Shahed-161 is one of the IRGC's achievements, capable of carrying out various missions," — noted in Mehr News.

The model is based on reverse engineering of the American RQ-170 Sentinel captured in 2011 and is 40% smaller. The Shahed-161 had been previously demonstrated, but this test of a working turbojet engine marked the first public demonstration. Other drones in the family were also on display at the exhibition: the Shahed-131, -171, -191, and -238.

Iran is actively developing UAVs amid sanctions: Shahed drones are used by Russia in Ukraine and supplied to its allies. In 2025, Tehran increased exports despite Western pressure. Experts see the Shahed-161 as a boost to the IRGC's asymmetric capabilities for regional operations.