The Qaher-313, initially introduced as a next-generation fighter jet, has now transitioned into an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), finding its place on the deck of the Shahid Bagheri drone carrier. This significant development marks a new phase in Iran’s aviation and military technology, demonstrating the country’s evolving approach to drone warfare and air defense capabilities.
According to Khabar Online, Amir Afshin Khajefard, head of the Armed Forces Aviation Industries Organization, announced in late February 1402 (March 2024) that the Qaher fighter jet project would soon take flight in an “unmanned” configuration. This revelation confirmed earlier speculations regarding Iran’s strategic shift toward autonomous combat aviation.
With the recent public display of the Qaher-313 UAV on the deck of the Shahid Bagheri drone carrier (C110-4), Iran has signaled its commitment to integrating advanced drone technology into its military arsenal. Observers noted that the Qaher UAV appeared in two different sizes, suggesting variations in design to accommodate different mission requirements.
The origins of the Qaher-313 trace back to February 1, 2012, when the aircraft was initially presented as a manned fighter jet during a ceremony attended by then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. At that time, Iranian officials described the aircraft as a close air support fighter with stealth capabilities and an advanced aerodynamic design.