On February 1, 2013, Iran unveiled the IAIO Qaher-313 (Conqueror-313), a single-seat aircraft that Tehran claimed boasted the advanced characteristics of a fifth-generation fighter, notably stealth capabilities. Developed by the Iran Aviation Industries Organization and the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, it was presented as a symbol of homegrown technological prowess. Yet, the lack of any substantial development updates since 2017 led to widespread speculation about the project’s feasibility, with defense experts dismissing the Qaher-313 as a mock-up incapable of flight.
The aircraft, which once evoked curiosity and ridicule in equal measure, has taken a new turn in its narrative. In February 2023, Iranian state media reported that the Qaher-313 had reached “technical maturity,” and a decision had been made to rework it as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that could see service as soon as the following year. Brigadier General Afshin Khajefard, managing director of the Iran Aviation Industries Organization, announced this transition on television, highlighting the evolving focus of Iran’s military aerospace efforts.
Iran’s drone technology, on the other hand, presents a more concrete and worrying advancement. Tehran’s capabilities in reverse engineering have been demonstrated with the interception and cloning of a Lockheed Martin RQ-170 “Sentinel” in 2011, creating a new drone with similar characteristics. Moreover, Iran’s UAV program could potentially leverage U.S. and NATO weaponry transferred to Tehran after being captured in Ukraine, including platforms like the Javelin anti-tank and Stinger anti-aircraft systems.
The international community has been observing Iran’s UAV usage, notably the use of Shahed-class kamikaze drones in Ukraine targeting energy and military facilities. Iran’s drone industry has expanded notably, with Tehran unveiling various versions of Qaher drones.
The nose part of the Qaher-313 was designed to be so small that hardly any radar could fit inside it. The air intakes, the most crucial component, were comparable to those of small drones. Most importantly, it was observed that the jet did not have a nozzle which would lead to the entire aircraft being melted by the engine’s afterburners.
Iran has been denied essential equipment and technology needed to modernize its military due to the years-long arms embargo enforced by the US and its allies. Although the nation made quick strides in developing missiles, creating a fifth-generation fighter jet that could contend with its competitors’ better air superiority has been labeled a pipe dream.
An analysis of the earlier jet published highlighted that the Iranian ‘Qaher’ had sharp edges and recognizable angles and edges of the American F-22, besides a twin tail form quite similar to that of the F-35 Lightning II, failed to convince global military communities of its authenticity as a fifth-generation jet. Nevertheless, the Iranian official’s statement that the Qaher has since been modified kindles some interest in its imminent unveiling as a drone, a strategic pivot that aligns with Iran’s successes in UAV manufacturing.
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