Shahed-129 vs MQ-9 Reaper
Shahed-129 and Reaper both combine reconnaissance with attack, but they should not be assumed to offer the same payload class, sensors or integration. The term Shahed also spans very different aircraft, so identifying the reusable Shahed-129 is an essential first step.
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Specifications side by side
| Specification | Shahed-129 | MQ-9 Reaper |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HESA (reported); designed by Shahed Aviation Industries | General Atomics |
| Country of origin | Iran | USA |
| Mission role | Strike / Reconnaissance | Attack / Reconnaissance |
| Year introduced | 2012 | 2007 |
| Length | 8 m (reported/estimated) | 11 m |
| Wingspan | 16 m (reported/estimated) | 20 m |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed | 3.8 m |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (reported) | 482 km/h |
| Published range | 1,700 km (reported) | 1,850 km |
| Endurance | 24 hours (reported) | 27 hours |
| Service ceiling | Not publicly disclosed | 15,240 m |
| Payload | 400 kg (reported) | 1,746 kg |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed | 2,223 kg |
| Armament | Sadid-series precision-guided munitions | AGM-114 Hellfire, GBU-12/38 JDAM, GBU-49 |
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
Use confirmed configuration and evidence quality rather than headline similarities. Reaper's cleared weapons ecosystem does not validate a reported Shahed capability, and unverified Iranian performance figures should not be converted into a precise operational advantage or disadvantage.
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-9 Reaper
Reaper combines persistent surveillance with a substantial cleared weapons capacity. Its larger turboprop airframe supports a different sensor and strike workload from light tactical UAVs, one-way weapons and reconnaissance-only aircraft.
Separate MQ-9A figures from MQ-9B capabilities, and distinguish total payload allowance from a specific cleared weapons and sensor load.
How to read the specification table
The table compares the named Shahed-129 and MQ-9 Reaper 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-9 Reaper?
Shahed-129 and Reaper both combine reconnaissance with attack, but they should not be assumed to offer the same payload class, sensors or integration. The term Shahed also spans very different aircraft, so identifying the reusable Shahed-129 is an essential first step.
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-9 Reaper 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-9 Reaper: 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.