Shahed-129 vs MQ-1 Predator
Shahed-129 and Predator are reusable reconnaissance-and-attack references, unlike the expendable Shahed-136. Their broad role overlap makes the comparison meaningful, but public evidence for detailed equipment and performance is not equally complete.
Open these drones in the interactive compare tool
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Shahed-129 | MQ-1 Predator |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HESA (reported); designed by Shahed Aviation Industries | General Atomics |
| Country of origin | Iran | USA |
| Mission role | Strike / Reconnaissance | Reconnaissance / Light Attack |
| Year introduced | 2012 | 1995 |
| Length | 8 m (reported/estimated) | 8.2 m |
| Wingspan | 16 m (reported/estimated) | 14.8 m |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed | 2.1 m |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (reported) | 217 km/h |
| Published range | 1,700 km (reported) | 1,100 km |
| Endurance | 24 hours (reported) | 24 hours |
| Service ceiling | Not publicly disclosed | 7,620 m |
| Payload | 400 kg (reported) | EO/IR/laser targeting system; weapons configuration varies by variant |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed | 1,020 kg |
| Armament | Sadid-series precision-guided munitions | Two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (armed MQ-1B configuration) |
Figures below come from the linked DroneStrike profiles and retain their configuration qualifiers. Maximum speed, range, endurance and payload are separate published figures, not a single achievable mission configuration. Range is not necessarily combat radius or datalink reach. Missing information is not zero, and a larger figure does not establish combat effectiveness.
The comparison that matters
Treat the Iranian system's reported weapons and endurance as specifically attributed claims where independent confirmation is limited. Keep the historical armed MQ-1B configuration distinct from Gray Eagle, Reaper and unrelated Shahed-family one-way weapons.
Understanding Shahed-129
Shahed-129 is a reusable Iranian reconnaissance and strike UAV, not the same category of system as the Shahed-136 one-way weapon. Its sensors, recoverability and support cycle are central to the comparison.
Iranian performance and weapons claims may have limited independent confirmation; do not substitute Shahed-family figures from another aircraft.
Understanding MQ-1 Predator
Predator is the earlier General Atomics armed-surveillance reference. Its significance is persistent observation connected to remote crews and, on armed configurations, Hellfire missiles rather than high speed or a heavy weapons load.
The U.S. Air Force's 2018 MQ-1 retirement does not establish the retirement of every operator's aircraft or the Army's separate MQ-1C.
How to read the specification table
The table compares the named Shahed-129 and MQ-1 Predator catalog records, not an artificial combination of every advertised upgrade. Values are reproduced with their existing units and qualifications. Where figures describe different missions or payload types, treat them as context rather than calculating an unsupported performance advantage.
A published maximum is not necessarily achievable alongside every other maximum. Endurance may change with equipment, flight or sea conditions and transit requirements; a range figure may describe a different constraint from datalink reach. Unknown specifications remain unknown. For development programs and limited-disclosure systems, an intended capability must stay distinct from a completed trial or operational service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Shahed-129 and MQ-1 Predator?
Shahed-129 and Predator are reusable reconnaissance-and-attack references, unlike the expendable Shahed-136. Their broad role overlap makes the comparison meaningful, but public evidence for detailed equipment and performance is not equally complete.
Can the headline specifications establish a winner?
No. The mission, actual configuration, supported force and quality of evidence determine what the figures mean. Maximum speed, endurance and payload alone do not establish combat effectiveness, survivability or equal intelligence collection.
Where can I verify the versions and figures used here?
Follow the Shahed-129 and MQ-1 Predator profile links for full descriptions, timelines and any listed source references. This guide preserves the catalog's uncertainty labels rather than presenting unpublished or weakly sourced figures as independently verified facts.
Sources and further reading
- Shahed-129: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
- MQ-1 Predator: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
Specifications are drawn from the linked catalog profiles. Source dates and aircraft configurations may differ; see the individual profiles for their timelines and qualifications.