Shahed-191

Shahed-191 overview

Shahed-191 is an Iranian jet-powered flying-wing UAV associated with the Shahed family and with Iran's study of a captured U.S. RQ-170. It is presented as a reusable reconnaissance and strike aircraft, unlike the better-known one-way Shahed attack drones.

Public imagery shows a compact tailless planform and concealed or semi-concealed propulsion. Manufacturer attribution, dimensions, speed, range, endurance, payload, datalink, and stealth performance are Not publicly disclosed in a consistently verified specification sheet; figures from the RQ-170 must not be inherited by analogy.

Iran has displayed the aircraft and claimed tests and operational use. Open reporting has also debated its relationship with Saegheh and other RQ-170-derived designs, so reported combat appearances do not establish a complete fleet history or standard weapon fit.

Through September 2026, Shahed-191 remains best described as an Iranian RQ-170-derived jet UAV with reported ISR and strike roles. The supplied illustration is interpretative catalog art, not evidence of its inlet geometry, internal payload, or radar signature.

Armament

Reported internal or carriage-compatible precision weapons; exact fit Not publicly disclosed

Development and operational timeline

1. Dec 2011Iran announces recovery of a U.S. RQ-170, later becoming the reference point for related indigenous designs
2. Oct 2016Iran publicly displays RQ-170-derived flying-wing UAVs associated with the Shahed-191/Saeqeh family
3. Feb 2018Israeli officials report an Iranian UAV incursion and identify the aircraft as an RQ-170-derived type
4. Sep 2026As of September 2026, Shahed-191 remains a reported Iranian reusable jet UAV; production scale and standard configuration remain uncertain